> At a Glance
> – Maduro seized in a surprise raid, flown to New York.
> – He will appear in federal court Monday at noon in lower Manhattan.
> – Protesters gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
> – Why it matters: The capture and trial could reshape U.S. influence in Venezuela and affect regional security.
Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro was taken in a surprise operation and flown to New York, where he faces drug-related and narco-terrorism charges. The U.S. Justice Department, DEA and FBI say they pursued every lawful option to resolve the matter peacefully, but the opportunity was rejected by Maduro’s side. He is scheduled to appear before Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein on Monday at noon in lower Manhattan.
Operation and Legal Proceedings
The joint statement released Sunday emphasized that the operation required months of coordination, detailed planning and seamless execution across multiple components of the federal government. The mission was conducted to support an ongoing criminal prosecution tied to large-scale narcotics trafficking and related offenses that have fueled violence, destabilized the region, and contributed directly to the drug crisis claiming American lives. Maduro and his wife were indicted in New York on drug-related and narco-terrorism charges.
Attorney General Pam Bondi stated:
> “Those opportunities were repeatedly rejected. The responsibility for this outcome rests solely with those who chose to continue criminal conduct rather than disengage.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi also said:
> “The operation to capture Maduro and his wife yesterday in Venezuela required months of coordination, detailed planning and seamless execution across multiple components of the federal government.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi added:
> “The mission was conducted to support an ongoing criminal prosecution tied to large-scale narcotics trafficking and related offenses that have fueled violence, destabilized the region, and contributed directly to the drug crisis claiming American lives.”
Public Reaction
Protesters gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where Maduro is being held. They clapped and chanted “Hands off Venezuela’s oil” and “No, no blood for oil.” Signs read “No U.S. War on Venezuela,” “Stop Bombing Venezuela,” and “U.S. Out of the Caribbean.”
- Hands off Venezuela’s oil
- No, no blood for oil
- No U.S. War on Venezuela
- Stop Bombing Venezuela
- U.S. Out of the Caribbean
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sunday | Maduro captured and flown to New York |
| Monday | Court appearance in lower Manhattan |
Key Takeaways
- Maduro faces drug-related and narco-terrorism charges in New York.
- He will appear before Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein on Monday.
- Public protests in Brooklyn highlight opposition to U.S. intervention.
The operation underscores the U.S. commitment to pursuing narcotics-trafficking cases, while the courtroom battle ahead may set a precedent for future international prosecutions.
