Nicolas Maduro detained in New York as US assumes control of Venezuela

WISE NEWS PRESS / NEW YORK, USA — JANUARY 04, 2026

Nicolas Maduro was transported to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn on Saturday night following a United States military operation on Venezuelan soil that led to his capture and extraction.

The former Venezuelan leader and his wife, Cilia Flores, arrived via helicopter under heavy escort by U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents. The White House "Rapid Response" account on X released footage showing a handcuffed Maduro walking through a corridor, where he was heard saying in English, "Good night and Happy New Year." This unprecedented move follows months of escalating tensions and Washington's formal withdrawal of recognition for Maduro’s presidency after the disputed 2024 elections.

Legal charges and court appearance

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced that Maduro faces a litany of federal charges, including conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. His wife, Flores, faces similar drug-related charges. According to Justice Department officials, Maduro is scheduled to make his initial appearance before a judge at the Manhattan Federal Court on Monday.

Trump announces interim administration

Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, President Donald Trump declared that the United States would temporarily govern Venezuela. "We will manage the country until we can make a safe, appropriate, and reasonable transition," Trump stated during a press conference. He emphasized that the administration would not take the risk of allowing "someone else who does not have Venezuela's best interests at heart" to take control during the power vacuum.

Restoration of oil infrastructure

As part of the transition plan, President Trump announced that major American oil companies would enter Venezuela to revitalize the nation’s crumbling energy infrastructure. Home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves, Venezuela’s production has suffered from years of neglect and sanctions. While Trump framed the entry of U.S. firms as a necessary step for economic recovery, critics have raised questions regarding the primary motivations behind the military intervention.

Background of the operation

The detention of Maduro follows months of intensified U.S. naval operations in the Caribbean and Pacific, targeting vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking and seizing tankers carrying Venezuelan oil. Last week, U.S. forces conducted a strike on a major Venezuelan port, signaling the final phase of the operation. Prior to his capture, Maduro had repeatedly accused the Trump administration of orchestrating a "regime change" through military force and economic sabotage.

www.wisenewspress.com