Antigua.news Caribbean Maduro Wishes US Agents ‘Happy New Year’ as He Is Escorted to New York Jail
Antigua.news Caribbean Maduro Wishes US Agents ‘Happy New Year’ as He Is Escorted to New York Jail

Maduro Wishes US Agents ‘Happy New Year’ as He Is Escorted to New York Jail

4 January 2026 - 08:34

Maduro Wishes US Agents ‘Happy New Year’ as He Is Escorted to New York Jail

4 January 2026 - 08:34
Maduro Wishes US Agents ‘Happy New Year’ as He Is Escorted to New York Jail

Nicolas Maduro arrives in the US after being captured during a raid in Caracas – X

Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s deposed president, was flown to the United States and taken into custody Saturday night after being captured during a dramatic pre-dawn operation in Caracas.

US authorities released images showing Nicolás Maduro smiling, raising his thumbs and wishing officers “good night” and a “Happy New Year” as he was escorted by dozens of federal agents. He was shackled and dressed in a blue hoodie and black cap during his transfer to a high-security detention facility in New York.

Maduro was captured alongside his wife, Cilia Flores, after US special forces stormed what officials described as a heavily guarded presidential compound.

The operation followed US military strikes on multiple installations in and around the Venezuelan capital.

Within hours of the raid, federal prosecutors in New York unsealed indictments charging Maduro and Flores with narco-terrorism conspiracy and weapons-related offences, including possession of machine guns. US officials said the arrests were the culmination of a months-long campaign targeting alleged drug trafficking networks linked to the Venezuelan leadership.

Maduro was transported to New York aboard a US military aircraft that stopped at Guantánamo Bay before landing at Stewart Air National Guard Base late Saturday afternoon. Video released by authorities showed him being led across the tarmac by a large security detail before being transferred to a Brooklyn detention facility.

The prison, known for housing high-profile detainees, has previously faced scrutiny over conditions and inmate treatment.

International reaction was swift. China, a key economic ally of Venezuela, condemned the operation and demanded Maduro’s immediate release, calling the arrest a violation of international law.

US President Donald Trump defended the action, saying Washington would temporarily “run” Venezuela and oversee its vast oil resources until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” of power could be arranged. Trump observed the operation from his Mar-a-Lago residence alongside senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The capture followed months of escalating pressure on Caracas, including the deployment of US naval assets to the region and an increase in the bounty for Maduro’s arrest to US$50 million. Officials said the strikes that preceded the raid were intended to neutralise threats to the arrest team.

About The Author

Shermain Bique-Charles

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field. Contact: [email protected]

8 Comments

  1. Shame on Yanki imperialism.

    Reply
  2. So let me get this straight… they invaded a country, grabbed the president, and now say they’re going to “run” it? Sounds less like justice and more like piracy with a flag.

    Reply
  3. If this was Russia or China doing the same thing, the West would be calling it an act of war. Same rules should apply to everyone.

    Reply
  4. Now whose the dictator

    Reply
  5. A Major problem/issue with our present and has been and on going Earth’s Reality is not unlike having each limb and bio-enrrgetic-mental contributors governed under separate governments . We are now completely bought into what part of the body is better,which are “shit holes” and the likes,aka Nationality ,and of course our Race ,and only fleetingly if any, think in terms of purpose and Soul identity. We are HUman Soul’s who on purpose chose our family and hence Race and Nationality. Question: are we souls or the the embodiment of the war over the Suppression Agenda Beings on and off Earth of the Grandeur Potential Purpose within the Grail of Grails of Genes/DNA within our Universe??
    My guess is it’s an easy answer

    Reply
  6. Imagine being a small island state watching this unfold 👀
    If big powers want you, international law suddenly becomes optional.

    Reply
  7. I don’t support narco-states, but I also don’t support countries deciding they can kidnap leaders whenever they feel like it.

    Reply
  8. Maduro smiling like he just won a raffle 😂
    Man say “Happy New Year” in handcuffs is wild

    Reply

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