Mamdani Criticizes U.S. Detention of Maduro

New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani is openly unhappy with the U.S. military’s capture of Nicolás Maduro, the former socialist leader of Venezuela. He mentioned to an audience that he reached out to President Trump to express his “opposition to this action,” which he described after being informed by his team about Maduro’s arrest alongside his wife, Cilia Flores.

Mamdani had already voiced his discontent, stating, “A unilateral attack on a sovereign state is an act of war and a violation of federal and international law.” He went on to say, “I was briefed by the first deputy mayor, chief of staff, chief advisor, police chief, and several others.” He then called the President to clarify that his opposition was rooted in concerns over regime change, which he views as a breach of laws both federally and internationally.

Reports indicate that on Saturday morning, President Trump declared that the U.S. had “successfully launched a major attack on Venezuela,” asserting that Maduro had retained power through what he called fraudulent elections. Trump confirmed that Maduro and his spouse were taken into custody.

He stated, “The United States has effectively carried out a significant operation against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro, who has been detained and exiled with his wife,” via a post on Truth Social. This operation involved coordination with U.S. law enforcement agencies.

Maduro, wanted by U.S. authorities on various drug-terrorism charges, has a $50 million bounty on his head for information leading to his arrest or conviction.

While Mayor Mamdani has voiced his concerns over Maduro’s detention, reports suggest that the plane carrying him landed at Stewart Airport in Orange County, New York. According to ABC News, Maduro is expected to be transported by helicopter to New York City, escorted by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents for processing before being taken to jail.

Officials have confirmed that Maduro’s aircraft arrived at Stewart Airport, and arrangements have been made for him to be flown to the city by helicopter and later travel by motorcade for further processing.

Additionally, Trump mentioned intentions to govern Venezuela “until such time” a “safe, appropriate, and prudent transition of power” occurs.