Captured Maduro brought to Brooklyn detention centre Trial expected next week

Captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been transferred to Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, CNN reported, citing the New York Police Department.

The politician was earlier flown to Manhattan by helicopter under law enforcement escort. A crowd gathered outside the detention center, with some people carrying Venezuelan flags.

Maduro is expected to appear before a Manhattan court next week on charges related to drugs and weapons.

On January 3, 2026, in a predawn operation involving large-scale U.S. airstrikes on military targets in Caracas and surrounding areas—including Fuerte Tiuna base, La Carlota airport, La Guaira port, and other facilities—the United States conducted a precision raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their residence with no reported U.S. casualties.

Elite Delta Force units then extracted them and transported the couple aboard the USS Iwo Jima en route to face trial in New York's Southern District.

The trial stems from a superseding indictment unsealed that day, expanding 2020 charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and related offences tied to allegations of leading the Cartel de los Soles.

President Donald Trump said the US will “run the country” until a “judicious transition” can happen. He also said the US will seize Venezuela’s massive oil reserves.

Venezuela’s Supreme Court has directed Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to assume the powers and duties of acting president.

By Khagan Isayev