Maduro in custody at New York detention center as Trump says US will ‘run’ Venezuela
Following their capture during US strikes on Venezuela on Saturday, President Nicolás Maduro and his spouse, First Lady Cilia Flores, are being detained at a facility in New York.
To face allegations relating to drug trafficking, they were transported from the capital city of Caracas to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Maduro has repeatedly denied being a drug cartel leader.
Venezuela has denounced the “military aggression” and declared a state of emergency. This is how the US operation played out.
The United States will “run” Venezuela “until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition,” according to President Donald Trump.
Additionally, Trump claims that US oil corporations will “start making money for the country” and repair Venezuela’s “broken infrastructure”
Ally or Adversary? Global Reactions to Maduro’s Arrest Split World:
United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that his country will “shed no tears” for Maduro’s overthrow, but he declined to discuss whether the military operation would have violated international law.
Russia: The foreign ministry urged the US “to reconsider their position and release the legitimately elected president of a sovereign country and his spouse” and stated that a “dialogue” between the US and Venezuela was necessary.
China: The foreign ministry urged the US to “abide by international law” and stated that it was “deeply shocked by and strongly condemns the US’s blatant use of force”
United Nations: Secretary General António Guterres urged adherence to international law while expressing his “deeply alarmed” and “dangerous precedent” concerns.
In response to the widespread US strikes on the South American nation, Starlink claims to be offering free broadband access to Venezuela.
Starlink announced that it was offering free access “to the people of Venezuela through 3 February, ensuring continued connectivity” in a post on X, external.
Elon Musk founded and operates SpaceX, which includes the satellite internet service.
Venezuela’s internet has a lengthy history of poor internet speeds, countrywide blackouts, and strict government regulations.
How did Operation Absolute Resolve unfold?
General Dan Caine gave a detailed account of the US attack on Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro during a press briefing earlier on Saturday. The following are the main ideas that were brought up:
Over several months, personnel from the air, ground, space, maritime, and intelligence sectors collaborated to organize the mission.
During Operation “Absolute Resolve,” 150 aircraft from 20 different Western Hemisphere bases were launched into Venezuela.
On January 3, at 1:01 ET (02:01 local time), an extraction squad consisting of helicopters and a ground crew arrived at Maduro’s property in Venezuela in order to apprehend the leader and his spouse. F-22, F-35, F/A-18, EA-18, E-2 aircraft, B-1 bombers, and drones provided overhead protection for the force.
Brooklyn Detention Center:
According to recent reports from multiple major U.S. media outlets, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been taken to Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center.
He is expected to remain held at the facility before appearing in Manhattan federal court next week to answer charges related to drugs and weapons. At this time, it remains unclear whether his wife has also been detained.
The Metropolitan Detention Center is New York City’s only federal jail and has been the site of many high-profile cases.
In recent years, it has housed figures such as the rapper R. Kelly, Ghislaine Maxwell an associate of Jeffrey Epstein and, most recently, the music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.
The jail is also widely known for its severe conditions, incidents of violence, and allegations of inadequate supervision. In one reported case, an inmate was stabbed multiple times but allegedly received no medical treatment and was instead locked in his cell for 25 days.
Venezuelans Reaction:
In the wake of President Nicolás Maduro’s capture by the United States, the people of Venezuela are processing the news through a mix of hope, fear, and profound uncertainty.
The Caracas Valley was shaken by explosions overnight, leaving residents to greet the morning with reactions on the streets that vary from open celebration to stark condemnation.
One local resident, Dina, shared with the BBC a sense of relief, thanking the U.S. for “taking Maduro out of here.”
For her, the change brings a long-awaited glimpse of possibility: “at least I can see some light at the end of the tunnel again,” she said.
Conversely, supporters of Maduro’s government have begun gathering in the capital, protesting what they label his “kidnapping.”
Among them was Caracas Mayor Carmen Meléndez, a staunch government loyalist, who joined the rally to demand the release of their leader.
What charges does Maduro face?
The Venezuelan president and his spouse, First Lady Cilia Flores, have been charged in the Southern District of New York, according to US Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The two have been charged with possession of machine weapons and destructive devices, conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices against the United States, and conspiracy to commit Narco-terrorism and import cocaine.
The couple’s booking procedure has reportedly already started, according to US media reports.
Prior to their information being input into the US Customs and Border Protection system, biometrics, fingerprints, and mugshots would need to be obtained.
Before being transported to the Drug Enforcement Agency’s office in New York City, where they will be scheduled once again, the couple will also need to undergo medical examinations.
Source: BBC, Al Jazeera, and Reuters
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