Maduro Paraded in Handcuffs in New York as U.S. Escalates Venezuela Showdown
In a dramatic turn of events, the United States has brought Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to New York and presented him publicly in handcuffs, footage released by American agencies shows.
The video captures Maduro being escorted under heavy security during what is known in the U.S. criminal justice system as a “perp walk”—a deliberate, highly visible transfer of an arrested suspect before cameras to underscore that the individual is now in the grip of the law.
During the escort, Maduro is seen acknowledging journalists and officers of the Drug Enforcement Administration with brief remarks, including “Good night” and “Happy New Year,” moments that quickly went viral across social media platforms.
Detention in a Notorious Federal Jail
According to reports, Maduro will be held at New York’s Metropolitan Detention Center, a facility long criticised for harsh conditions, inmate violence, and repeated power outages.
The jail has previously housed several high-profile detainees, drawing international scrutiny over inmate welfare and security lapses.
Caracas Names Acting President
In Caracas, the Supreme Court of Venezuela has reportedly directed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume all powers and responsibilities as acting president.
Reading the order during a televised hearing on state broadcaster VTV, Judge Tania D’Amelio said Maduro is no longer in a position to discharge his constitutional duties.
Deadly Military Operation Alleged
A senior Venezuelan official, cited in local reports, claimed that the U.S. military operation to apprehend Maduro resulted in at least 40 deaths, including civilians and soldiers.
The operation is said to have begun with extensive aerial strikes aimed at disabling Venezuela’s air-defence network, involving more than 150 U.S. aircraft.
Washington has not publicly detailed the scope of the operation, while Caracas has condemned it as an act of aggression.
A Plan Years in the Making
Former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton said in a recent interview that discussions about removing Maduro from power had surfaced during President Donald Trump’s first term as well.
Bolton noted that Venezuela’s vast oil reserves were a recurring focus in those deliberations, though earlier efforts failed to materialise.
Celebrations Abroad, Uncertainty at Home
News of Maduro’s capture sparked celebrations among the Venezuelan diaspora in South Florida.
In Miami and its suburb Doral, crowds wrapped in Venezuelan flags gathered for rallies, chanting slogans of freedom and hope.
Many said the military action raised hopes of reunions with loved ones separated by years of political turmoil and migration.
Latest Status
As of the latest reports circulating late Monday, neither Washington nor Caracas has released a comprehensive official statement detailing charges, timelines, or next legal steps.
Diplomatic reactions are expected as regional governments assess the fallout from what could mark a watershed moment in U.S.–Venezuela relations.
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