Saturday, March 29, 2025
Handcuffs and Holding Center: First Photo of Venezuela’s Maduro Post-Arrest – Video
Maduro perp walk. pic.twitter.com/e1Maaun5EK
— Paul Mauro (@PaulDMauro) January 4, 2026
Summary:
According to the AP News Agency, Maduro will now remain in federal custody. The U.S. Department of Justice has charged him with involvement in a narco-terrorism conspiracy, under which he will face trial.
The first images of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro have surfaced following his arrest. The powerful Latin American leader was seen under tight security at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) headquarters in New York. A released video shows Maduro being escorted down a corridor in handcuffs, surrounded by soldiers.
For context, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were brought from Venezuela to New York on Saturday after a U.S. airstrike.
As per the AP News Agency, Maduro is now in federal custody. The U.S. Department of Justice has accused him of participating in a narco-terrorism conspiracy, paving the way for his trial.
U.S. Eyes Venezuela’s Oil Reserves
Immediately after this military operation, President Donald Trump clarified in a press conference that the United States will take control of Venezuela, at least temporarily. He indicated that the U.S. would utilize Venezuela’s vast oil reserves and sell oil in large quantities to other countries. Trump stated, “We will run the country until we ensure a secure, just, and reasonable transfer of power.”
Delcy Rodríguez Named Acting President
Amid the political turmoil in Venezuela, the country’s Supreme Court Constitutional Chamber has issued a significant ruling. The court has appointed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as acting president. According to the Supreme Court, Rodríguez will handle presidential duties to ensure administrative continuity and the nation’s overall defense. The court will now debate the legal framework needed to preserve state sovereignty in cases of a president’s forced absence.
It’s worth noting that Operation Absolute Resolve had been in planning for months. After rehearsals, the mission was completed in just 30 minutes. The situation in the capital, Caracas, remains tense. Countries like Russia and China are closely monitoring the operation, while U.S. oil companies prepare to invest in infrastructure improvements.
