04.01.2026 10:12
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were brought to New York as part of an operation conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Following the initial arrest procedures in Manhattan, the couple was transferred to the New York Metropolitan Federal Detention Center in Brooklyn. Maduro and his wife are expected to appear before a judge in federal court in Manhattan on Monday.
According to information obtained from U.S. officials, Nicolas Maduro was picked up early Saturday morning by a U.S. helicopter from the Venezuelan capital, Caracas. Maduro was taken aboard the USS Iwo Jima, a U.S. Navy ship, at an undisclosed location in the Caribbean for security reasons.
From there, Maduro was taken to the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba, and after a brief wait, he was transferred by another plane to Stewart Air National Guard Base in northern New York State. After landing at the base, Maduro and his wife were brought to Manhattan by helicopter under heavy security measures.
FIRST STOP DEA HEADQUARTERS
After arriving in Manhattan, Maduro and his wife were first taken to the New York headquarters of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Here, identification, fingerprinting, and official detention procedures were carried out. A wide security perimeter was established around the DEA building, and the entrances and exits were temporarily closed in a controlled manner. While officials did not share details about the detention process, it was decided to transfer Maduro and his wife to Brooklyn after the procedures were completed.
UNDER FEDERAL SUPERVISION IN BROOKLYN
After the procedures in Manhattan, Maduro and his wife were brought to the New York Metropolitan Federal Detention Center in Brooklyn. It was observed that the main entrance of the detention center was not used, and the couple was admitted through a side door under heavy security measures. Security forces did not allow the filming of Maduro's entrance to the center. It was noted that security personnel armed with long guns, as well as armored vehicles and additional police units, were deployed around the center. Journalists were cordoned off in a narrow area and were able to operate in a controlled manner.
COURT PROCESS EXPECTED TO START ON MONDAY
U.S. media reported that Maduro and his wife are scheduled to appear before a judge at the New York Southern District Federal Court in Manhattan on Monday. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi shared information about the charges and the scope of the indictment related to the court process through her social media account.
NEW INDICTMENT READY
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Maduro and Flores were brought to the U.S. under a new indictment prepared by prosecutors in the New York Southern District. The indictment states that Maduro is accused of conspiracy to import cocaine under the charge of "drug terrorism," as well as allegations of possession of heavy weapons and destructive devices.
CELEBRATION IN FRONT OF THE DETENTION CENTER
After the news of Maduro and his wife's arrival at the federal detention center, a large group gathered in front of the Metropolitan Detention Center to celebrate the development. The group, carrying Venezuelan flags, chanted slogans claiming that their country had "escaped from dictatorship" and sang songs. The demonstrators continued to wait in front of the center until late at night.
EXTRAORDINARY SECURITY DRAWS ATTENTION
Extraordinary security measures were implemented around the detention center, and frequent identity checks were observed on the surrounding streets. Security sources stated that the measures were increased for the safety of the detainees as well as to prevent possible protests and disturbances. It was noted that Maduro and his wife were brought to the detention center in a white armored vehicle. During this process, the armored vehicle was followed by a convoy of security vehicles and police helicopters.