At a Glance
- Nicolás Maduro arrived in Brooklyn, NY, via helicopter and was processed for federal detention.
- A video shows him escorted by DEA agents, saying “Happy New Year.”
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani protested the move and called President Trump.
- Why it matters: The incident highlights U.S. enforcement against a former head of state and sparks political tension.
Nicolás Maduro was flown into New York City late Saturday and immediately placed in federal custody. The move, accompanied by a new indictment, sparked a public protest from the city’s mayor and drew attention from U.S. authorities.
Arrival and Processing
Maduro landed in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center after a helicopter transfer. FBI sources say he had been at Guantánamo Bay in Cuba before the flight. He was slated for processing at the federal prison and to await trial while detained.
- Flight origin: Guantánamo Bay, Cuba
- Transfer method: Helicopter
- Detention facility: Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn
Public and Political Response
A clip posted by a White House account shows Maduro flanked by two DEA agents at the New York Division office. He greeted the camera with a “Happy New Year” remark.
Maduro said:
> “Happy New Year.”
Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated:
> “Unilaterally attacking a sovereign nation is an act of war and a violation of federal and international law.”
Mamdani also revealed he had been briefed on the planned imprisonment of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in New York City.
| Defendant | Charges |
|---|---|
| Nicolás Maduro | Cocaine importation conspiracy and other counts |
| Cilia Flores | Cocaine importation conspiracy and other counts |
Legal Charges
A four-count superseding indictment was unsealed Saturday, expanding on the 2020 indictment. It accuses Maduro of using government power to facilitate drug trafficking and terrorism for personal and allied benefit. The indictment also adds Flores as a defendant.
- Cocaine importation conspiracy
- Other unspecified counts
- Alleged facilitation of drug trafficking
- Alleged involvement in terrorism
Key Takeaways
- Maduro’s arrival in Brooklyn signals a high-profile extradition and federal detention.
- The new indictment adds charges against both Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
- Mayor Mamdani’s protest underscores political backlash and legal controversy.
The episode underscores the U.S. commitment to pursuing alleged criminal conduct by former Venezuelan leaders, while also igniting domestic political debate over the legality of the operation.
