BREAKING: Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has arrived in New York City after being captured by U.S. forces in a dramatic overnight operation. The former dictator was escorted into the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) headquarters in Chelsea, where he was seen handcuffed, wearing black sweats and a hat.
In a video released by the White House, Maduro, clutching a water bottle, reportedly said, “Good Night, Happy New Year,” as he was processed by federal agents. This marks his first appearance in public since his capture. He and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been charged with narco-terrorism in the Southern District of New York, a case that has been pending since 2020.
After his time at the DEA, Maduro was taken to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where he will await trial on serious allegations tied to drug trafficking and terrorism. The scene outside the detention center was charged, with a jeering crowd greeting him with chants of “dirty scumbag.”
This historic moment is significant not only for Venezuela but also for U.S. foreign policy regarding drug trafficking and sanctions. The capture of Maduro, a figure long accused of corruption and human rights abuses, is a culmination of years of international pressure and investigations by U.S. authorities.
As the developments unfold, analysts are closely watching the implications for Venezuela’s political landscape and the potential repercussions for U.S.-Venezuela relations. Maduro’s trial is expected to draw significant media attention, with potential implications for other leaders accused of similar crimes.
Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates on this developing story.
