Captured Venezuelan Leader Nicolás Maduro and Wife Brought to New York to Face Narco-Terrorism Charges
Captured Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, arrived in New York on Saturday after being taken into custody in Caracas by U.S. forces, marking a dramatic escalation in the United States’ long-running effort to hold the Venezuelan regime accountable for alleged narco-terrorism crimes.
The couple was flown to the United States following their arrest and is expected to stand trial on serious federal charges tied to drug trafficking and terrorism.
Arrival on U.S. Soil
Maduro and Flores touched down Saturday afternoon in upstate New York. Their aircraft landed at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Windsor shortly after 4:45 p.m., approximately 14 hours after Maduro was captured in Caracas.
Upon arrival, the pair were escorted down the aircraft stairs by dozens of law enforcement officers before being transferred to a secure facility on the military base. From there, they are expected to be transported to New York City to face court proceedings.
Federal Custody and Charges
Authorities confirmed that Maduro and Flores are expected to be prosecuted in the Southern District of New York on charges related to narco-terrorism. Officials have not confirmed whether Maduro’s son was also taken into custody during the operation.
Maduro is expected to make an initial court appearance as early as Monday, though officials have not released further details regarding the precise timing of the proceedings.
Photo From U.S. Navy Ship
Earlier Saturday, Maduro was photographed aboard the USS Iwo Jima, where he appeared handcuffed, blindfolded, and dressed in a gray Nike sweatsuit. President Donald J. Trump, the current President of the United States, shared the image on Truth Social.
“Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima,” President Trump wrote.
Maduro and Flores were reportedly transported aboard the Navy vessel as part of their transfer to the United States.
Military Operation in Venezuela
President Trump confirmed that the United States carried out large-scale military strikes across Venezuela as part of the operation that led to Maduro’s capture. According to officials, airstrikes targeted multiple strategic locations, including Fuerte Tiuna, La Carlota airbase, El Volcán, and La Guaira Port.
The president said Maduro attempted to reach a secure location before being seized.
“But he was trying to get to a safe place, which wasn’t safe,” President Trump said.
“It was dark. And it was deadly,” he added while describing the operation.
President Trump’s Remarks
Following Maduro’s capture, President Trump stated that the United States would assume responsibility for stabilizing Venezuela.
“No nation in the world could achieve what America achieved,” President Trump said.
“We’re going to run the country right,” he added.
The president also dismissed concerns about escalation.
“We’re not afraid of boots on the ground,” President Trump said, emphasizing that the mission was necessary and justified.
Venezuela’s Reaction
The Venezuelan government issued a statement condemning the U.S. strikes, accusing Washington of attempting to seize the country’s oil and mineral resources. Officials ordered the full implementation of national defense plans and called on political and social groups to mobilize in response.
According to the BBC, more than 110 people have been killed since the strikes began. Reports also indicate that U.S. forces have confiscated two oil tankers previously under sanctions.