Nicolás Maduro Transported Through New York City After U.S. Capture as Protests and Celebrations Erupt

January 3 2026 MANHATTAN, NEW YORK — Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was flown and transported through New York City on Friday following his capture by U.S. AUTHORITIES.

Maduro first arriving earlier in the day at Stewart International Airport in New York, where he was taken into U.S. custody following his capture abroad. He was expected to be processed by federal authorities, including the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Transfer by helicopter Later, helicopter footage documented Maduro being flown into Manhattan. Video shows a helicopter landing at the 30th Street Heliport, where heavily armed federal agents and NYPD officers secured the perimeter. Agents were seen quickly escorting an individual identified as Maduro away from the aircraft immediately after landing.

Shortly after the helicopter landing, a law-enforcement motorcade was recorded traveling through downtown Manhattan. Video shows the motorcade arriving at a DEA facility, with officers controlling traffic and securing surrounding streets as the vehicle entered the complex.

Federal court location Maduro is expected to face proceedings connected to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, where a superseding indictment was unsealed earlier charging him and several associates with narcotics trafficking and weapons-related offenses.

As Maduro was moved through the city, large groups of Venezuelans gathered in Times Square and outside downtown SDNY court, responding with celebration to news of his capture and arrival in New York.

Others protested, holding signs reading “Release Maduro” and “Stand With the Bolivarian Revolution,” accusing the United States of kidnapping Venezuela’s president.

Maduro remains in federal custody as legal proceedings move forward in New York. Authorities have not released a public schedule for court appearances.