Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been transferred to the United States and formally charged, following a dramatic military operation that saw him and his wife, Cilia Flores, apprehended in Caracas. The couple arrived on US soil on Saturday, 3rd January 2026, after being flown from Venezuela.
The Dramatic Capture and Charges
The detention operation was carried out by US troops in the Venezuelan capital, leading to the swift extradition of the controversial leader. Upon arrival, US Attorney General Pam Bondi unsealed a federal indictment levelling serious allegations against Maduro, his wife, and four other individuals.
The primary charge is narco-terrorism conspiracy, with additional counts including cocaine importation conspiracy and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices. Officials transported the detained president via helicopter to a military base, before moving him to a detention centre in Brooklyn, New York—a facility known for housing high-profile inmates like Sam Bankman-Fried.
Bizarre 'Perp Walk' Sparks Online Mockery
Shortly after his arrival, the White House's official rapid response account, Rapid Response 47, shared a video purportedly filmed inside the DEA headquarters in Manhattan. The clip shows Maduro being subjected to a classic 'perp walk', shackled and flanked by multiple DEA agents as he is escorted to a cell.
In the footage, Maduro is heard offering a incongruous greeting, stating, "Good night. Happy New Year." However, it was his unusual attire that captured significant attention online. Social media users on platform X quickly began ridiculing his choice of hat, with many comparing it to Mickey Mouse ears, and his casual socks-and-slides combination.
One user quipped about his disorientation, writing, "Poor guy has jet lag thinks it’s still new year!" Another commented on the spectacle, "They really rolled out the blue carpet," in reference to the floor. The odd outfit change prompted questions, with a third user asking, "How many outfits was Maduro allowed to bring with him?"
Legal Proceedings Await
Maduro is scheduled to appear before a federal court next week to face the litany of charges related to drug trafficking and illegal arms dealing. His capture and prosecution mark an unprecedented escalation in the long-standing tensions between the United States and the Venezuelan government.
The operation and its aftermath have drawn reactions from world leaders, while the surreal video of his detention continues to circulate widely, underscoring the dramatic fall of the embattled president.
