Former Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro was spotted in handcuffs disembarking from an airplane upon arrival in New York, where he is anticipated to face charges related to narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine-importation conspiracy, and weapons offenses.
After touching down at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, located approximately 60 miles north of New York City, Maduro was scheduled to be transported to Manhattan’s West Side heliport before being transferred to DEA officials for processing.
The capture of Maduro in New York was criticized by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani as an ‘act of war’. The former Venezuelan leader was seen in grey attire and restraints, escorted by more than a dozen federal officers.
Maduro’s arrival in New York occurred shortly after he and his wife, Cilia Flores, were apprehended in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. CNN reported that the couple was forcibly removed from their bedroom. Inclement weather conditions had initially delayed the successful mission by four days.
“We had planned this operation four days ago, but the weather was unfavorable,” the president revealed on Fox and Friends earlier that day.
“We took advantage when the weather cleared and decided to proceed,” he added, describing Maduro’s residence in the capital as heavily guarded and resembling a fortress.
According to The New York Times, the U.S. operation resulted in a death toll of 40, including civilians. The legality of the military intervention has raised concerns, with critics of Trump quick to denounce the action, as reported by Express US.
The United Nations issued a statement on Saturday expressing deep concern over the American strikes, suggesting that the escalation could violate international law.
During a press briefing on Saturday, Trump outlined plans to repair the country’s oil infrastructure and export “significant quantities” of petroleum to other nations following Maduro’s apprehension.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez demanded Maduro’s release and return to his home country, asserting his status as the “legitimate leader.”
Maduro is slated to be held at the Metropolitan Detention Center, a high-security facility in Brooklyn, while awaiting legal proceedings. The prison has previously housed prominent figures such as cartel leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, along with Sean “Diddy” Combs, Ghislaine Maxwell, R. Kelly, and Sam Bankman-Fried.
Also currently incarcerated there is Luigi Mangione, the suspected killer of the United Healthcare CEO.
