U.S. Forces Capture Maduro and Wife in Caracas Overnight The operation began early Saturday, January 3, 2026, when U.S. personnel entered Caracas and seized President Nicolás Maduro and his wife during a coordinated strike directed by President Donald Trump [1][2][3]. Both were handcuffed and placed in a DEA‑marked jacket before being moved to a transport aircraft [1]. The capture marked the first time a sitting Venezuelan leader has been taken by U.S. forces in a covert operation [2][3].

Blindfolded Maduro Photographed on USS Iwo Jima President Trump posted a photo on Truth Social showing Maduro in a grey Nike sweatsuit, blindfolded, wearing earmuffs, and holding a water bottle while aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima [1][2]. The image displayed a DEA jacket, reinforcing federal custody, and was used to frame the operation as a decisive act of justice [1]. Trump’s caption promised that Maduro would face the “full might of American justice” [2].

Transport to New York and Expected Federal Detention After the capture, Maduro and his wife were flown to Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, arriving around 5 p.m. ET on January 3 and later transferred to New York City [2][3]. Officials indicated they would likely be held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn pending court appearances [1][3]. Their arrival in New York City was confirmed late Saturday, with plans for a Monday federal court appearance [1].

Indictments in Southern District of New York Include Narco‑Terrorism The Southern District of New York filed new indictments charging Maduro, his wife, and their son with narco‑terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and firearms offenses [1][2][3]. The charges build on a 2020 indictment and follow a $50 million bounty announced in 2025 for information leading to Maduro’s arrest [1][2]. Both Maduro and his wife have publicly denied all allegations [2][3].

New York Leaders React, Question Legality and Security Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the unilateral operation a violation of international law and warned of potential impacts on New Yorkers [3]. Governor Kathy Hochul said there were no credible threats but criticized the lack of congressional authorization [3]. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and several progressive lawmakers demanded clarification on the legal basis and long‑term plan for the operation [3].