U.S. Forces Capture Maduro and Wife in Caracas Overnight The operation, ordered by President Trump, seized Nicolás Maduro and his wife during a pre‑dawn raid in Caracas, blindfolding and handcuffing them while a DEA jacket was visible on the scene [1][2][3]. Photographs released by the White House show Maduro in a grey Nike sweatsuit, holding a water bottle, confirming his physical custody [1][2]. The U.S. had raised a $50 million bounty for information leading to his arrest in 2025, a figure reiterated in all three reports [1][2][3].

Transported to New York via Stewart Base and USS Iwo Jima After capture, the pair were flown to Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, where they boarded the USS Iwo Jima before being transferred to New York City [2][1]. Trump’s Truth Social post highlighted the warship boarding, while officials indicated the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn would likely serve as their holding facility [1][3]. Arrival in New York occurred late Saturday, with the couple expected to appear in federal court the following Monday [1][3].

Indicted in Southern District of New York on Multiple Charges The Southern District of New York filed a superseding indictment charging Maduro, his wife, and their son with narco‑terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and several firearms offenses [2][3][1]. The indictment revisits the original 2020 charges against Maduro, adding new drug‑trafficking and weapons counts [1][2]. Both Maduro and his wife have publicly denied all allegations as the case moves toward trial [1][2].

New York Officials React, Cite Legal and Security Concerns Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the raid a “unilateral attack on a sovereign nation,” stressing potential repercussions for New Yorkers and questioning the operation’s legality [3]. Governor Kathy Hochul assured residents that no credible threats exist, while coordinating police monitoring of the situation [3]. City leaders confirmed they had been briefed on the capture and the planned federal custody arrangement [3].

Congressional Leaders Question Authorization and International Law Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and several progressive lawmakers condemned the lack of congressional approval, labeling the action reckless and potentially unlawful [3]. Critics highlighted violations of both U.S. constitutional authority and international law, demanding a clear legislative record of the operation’s authorization [3]. The debate underscores growing partisan tension over executive use of military force abroad [3].