Good Night, Happy New Year: Maduro’s First Words Upon Arrival In NYC After US Capture

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived in New York City on Sunday following a surprise US-led nighttime operation at his military base in Caracas. Maduro was handcuffed during the transfer and escorted to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) headquarters in Manhattan.

Footage from the operation shows the Venezuelan leader being guided into the DEA office by two officials. Despite the dramatic circumstances, Maduro appeared composed, smiling and offering New Year greetings to the officers, saying, “Good night, Happy New Year.”

Transport and Detention Details

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, initially landed at Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York State. From there, they were transported via helicopter to the DEA headquarters in Manhattan and later taken to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

Upon arrival in New York, Maduro is expected to be formally presented before a federal court in Manhattan. US Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that Maduro will face multiple charges, including narcoterrorism, cocaine trafficking, and firearms offences associated with his leadership of the so-called “Cartel of the Suns.” Previously, the Justice Department had offered a $15 million reward for his arrest.

The Caracas Raid

The US operation that led to Maduro’s capture occurred in the early hours of Saturday. Witnesses in Caracas reported hearing at least seven explosions targeting military installations. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez stated that both civilians and members of the armed forces were killed during the strike, though specific casualty figures were not provided.

Trump Announces Interim US Oversight of Venezuela

In an unprecedented move, President Donald Trump announced that the US administration would assume temporary control over Venezuela to ensure a smooth transition. Trump emphasized that US forces would remain in the country to oversee a proper transfer of authority, marking the most direct American military involvement in the Western Hemisphere in nearly forty years.

Trump shared a photo on Truth Social showing Maduro and Cilia Flores aboard the USS Iwo Jima, confirming the success of the operation, codenamed “Southern Spear.” He further stated that the US would manage Venezuela until a new government is established and revealed plans to involve American oil companies in reviving the country’s energy sector.

Threat of Further Action

Warning of possible escalation, Trump indicated that the Pentagon is prepared for a “second and much larger strike” if resistance continues. The operation has elicited mixed reactions: some Venezuelan opposition figures praised the US action, while many regional leaders criticized it as a breach of international law.