Plane Carrying 'Abducted' Maduro Lands in New York

The Chronify

January 4, 2026

President Donald Trump later described the mission as a high-risk overnight operation and said the US would oversee Venezuela until what he called a “safe, orderly and judicious transition” is achieved.

A plane carrying Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has landed in New York after a late-night US operation in Caracas.

An aircraft carrying Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has arrived in New York following a late-night US military operation in Caracas.

Upon landing, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken into custody by US authorities. Video broadcast by several American media outlets showed Maduro being escorted by law enforcement officers after disembarking at Stewart Air National Guard Base. Flores was not clearly seen in the footage.

US forces detained and transported the couple to the United States early Saturday. President Donald Trump later described the mission as a high-risk overnight operation and said the US would oversee Venezuela until what he called a “safe, orderly and judicious transition” is achieved.

Later the same day, federal prosecutors in New York revealed an indictment accusing Maduro and Flores of involvement in large-scale cocaine trafficking into the United States, along with other alleged offenses.

The move has sparked criticism from legal analysts and political observers, who argue the operation could breach international law, sidestep congressional authority, and further destabilize Venezuela and the broader region.