The geopolitical landscape of the Western Hemisphere shifted overnight on January 3, 2026, when the world woke up to a reality few thought possible: Nicolas Maduro is in US custody. In a dramatic, high-stakes military operation codenamed “Operation Absolute Resolve,” US Special Forces successfully apprehended the Venezuelan leader and his wife, Cilia Flores, in the heart of Caracas.
As of today, Monday, January 5, 2026, the former Venezuelan president is no longer at the Miraflores Palace. He is sitting in a federal detention cell in New York, awaiting his first appearance before a judge.
Is Nicolas Maduro in US Custody Now? The Current Status
The short answer is yes. Nicolas Maduro is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, New York.
Following a surgical strike by Delta Force and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment in Caracas, Maduro and his wife were extracted and flown to the United States. After a brief transit through the USS Iwo Jima and Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, they arrived at Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York late Saturday afternoon.
Key Details of the Capture
| Event | Detail |
| Operation Name | Absolute Resolve |
| Date of Capture | January 3, 2026 |
| Location of Capture | Caracas, Venezuela (Miraflores Palace) |
| Current Location | Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn, NY |
| Arraignment Date | January 5, 2026 (12:00 PM EST) |
Latest Updates: Maduro’s First Day in Court
Today, January 5, 2026, marks a historic moment in international law. Nicolas Maduro is scheduled to be arraigned at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in Manhattan at noon.
Federal prosecutors, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, have unsealed a superseding indictment that builds upon the 2020 charges. The atmosphere in Manhattan is electric, with high security around the courthouse and groups of Venezuelan exiles gathering to witness what many are calling the “Trial of the Century.”
What Charges Does Maduro Face?
The US Department of Justice has charged Maduro and his inner circle with:
- Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy: Alleging he led the “Cartel of the Suns” to flood the US with cocaine.
- Cocaine Importation Conspiracy: Direct involvement in smuggling operations.
- Possession of Machine Guns and Destructive Devices: Related to the protection of drug routes.
- Conspiracy with Terrorist Groups: Specifically working with the FARC to destabilize regional security.
“The full wrath of American justice will now be felt on American soil,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi shortly after the capture.
Inside “Operation Absolute Resolve”: How It Happened
The operation was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. Reports indicate that the CIA and Delta Force spent months planning the extraction.
The Midnight Strike
In the early hours of January 3, more than 150 aircraft supported a coordinated strike on Venezuelan military infrastructure to blind their radar and communications. Under the cover of a self-imposed blackout in Caracas, US helicopters landed directly at the presidential compound.
Personal Account from the Scene: Local residents reported hearing “at least seven massive explosions” followed by the low hum of advanced stealth helicopters. Within two and a half hours, the man who had ruled Venezuela for 13 years was in handcuffs, wearing blackout goggles and a gray tracksuit, being escorted onto a transport plane.
Who is Running Venezuela Now?
With Maduro in Brooklyn, a massive power vacuum has opened in Caracas.
- Delcy Rodriguez: Named interim president by the Venezuelan High Court, she has denounced the capture as “imperialist kidnapping.”
- US Oversight: President Donald Trump announced that the US would “run” the country temporarily to ensure a “safe and judicious transition” and to secure Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
- Opposition Leaders: Figures like Maria Corina Machado are calling for immediate free elections, though the situation on the ground remains tense.
Expert Insights: What Does This Mean for the World?
Political analysts suggest that this move is a “global reestablishment of deterrence.” By capturing a sitting head of state, the US has sent a clear message to other regimes.
Statistics & Data Points:
- Oil Prices: Global oil markets saw a 4% volatility spike immediately following the news, as traders weigh the future of Venezuelan crude.
- Migration: Over 8 million Venezuelans have fled the country since 2014; diaspora communities in Miami and Madrid have seen massive celebrations since the arrest.
- Casualties: Reports suggest at least 80 people were killed during the operation, including 32 Cuban military advisors stationed in Caracas.
Summary of the Situation
The capture of Nicolas Maduro is a watershed moment. While his legal team is expected to argue “head-of-state immunity,” the US government maintains that his 2024 election was fraudulent, stripping him of such protections.
As Maduro enters the Manhattan courthouse today, the eyes of the world are on the American justice system. Will this lead to a democratic rebirth for Venezuela, or is this the beginning of a long, messy legal and military occupation?
Stay tuned for live updates as the court proceedings begin at 12:00 PM EST.
