From Caracas to New York High-Security Transfer of Nicolás Maduro.

From Caracas to New York High-Security Transfer of Nicolás Maduro.

It’s Monday, January 5, 2026, and we’re witnessing the most significant geopolitical event in the Western Hemisphere in decades. Venezuela’s ousted President Nicolas Maduro is currently in federal custody in Manhattan, awaiting his first court appearance since a weekend that radically reshaped the map of Latin America. The full report on Nicolas Maduro’s arrest, transfer, and current status is here. 1. Arrest: “Operation Venezuela” ​In the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026, U.S. Special Operations forces (including Delta Force) conducted a lightning raid on the Miraflores presidential palace and a heavily guarded compound in Caracas. The moment of capture: Maduro was reportedly taken into custody upon reaching a steel-reinforced “safe room.” He was unable to close the door in time before the commandos breached his position. Casualties: The operation was part of a larger military operation involving airstrikes on strategic Venezuelan sites. Initial reports said at least 40 people were killed in the Caracas raid, including members of the Venezuelan military and some civilians. Family arrests: Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, was also detained during the operation. Their son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, is still reported to be at large. 2. Transfer to New York Following his arrest, Maduro’s journey to the United States was a multi-stage military operation: From sea to sky: He was first flown to the USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship based in the Caribbean. A photo shared by President Trump showed Maduro on board, blindfolded and handcuffed. Arrival in the United States: On Saturday evening, a white Boeing 757 carrying the couple landed at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York. ​“Perp Walk”: Video released by the White House shows Maduro, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and sandals, being led through a corridor at the DEA’s New York Division (NYD). In an unsettling moment, he looks at the camera and says in English: “Good night, happy new year.” ​3. Current status: Detention and court ​Where is he now: After processing at the DEA, Maduro has been transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, a high-security facility. ​Court appearance (today): Maduro and Celia Flores arrived at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse in Manhattan at 12:00 p.m. EST today. ​Tight security: He was transported by helicopter from Brooklyn to the Manhattan Heliport to avoid traffic and security risks on New York City streets. Witnesses saw him being lifted into a heavily armored vehicle, appearing to be digging as he was removed.