A dramatic video showing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in United States custody has gone viral online, marking a stunning escalation in international politics. The footage provides the first visual confirmation of Maduro's status following his controversial capture by American special forces.
Maduro's Perp Walk in New York Headquarters
The newly surfaced video, published on Sunday, January 4, 2026, shows the Venezuelan leader handcuffed and flanked by officers from the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The scene takes place inside the agency's headquarters in lower Manhattan, New York. In what is described as a 'perp walk', Maduro is escorted down a hallway by security personnel.
In the clip released by the US government, the embattled leader can be heard saying, "Happy new year." This visual evidence emerged hours after Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, landed in the United States. A separate video showed the couple being escorted slowly down the steps of an aircraft at Stewart International Airport, north of New York City.
The Operation and Trump's Announcement
The development followed a surprise attack by US special forces on the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, early Saturday, January 3, 2026. US President Donald Trump announced the successful operation on his Truth Social platform, stating that Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of Venezuela.
Trump posted: "The United States has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader." The action represents the most assertive American move to force regime change since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, capping months of secret planning by the Trump administration.
Reactions and Global Implications
US Attorney General Pam Bondi declared that the pair would face "the full wrath of American justice on American soil, in American courts." Meanwhile, Venezuela's vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, demanded Maduro's immediate release, affirming him as the country's rightful leader.
The event has sent shockwaves across the globe, with analysts examining the potential ripple effects on international relations and law. The video was highlighted by major international publications, including The Times of India and The New Zealand Herald, and was officially posted by the White House rapid response account, Rapid Response 47, on X (formerly Twitter).
In Nigeria, the arrest has sparked commentary and analysis. Logistics manager and celebrity aide Israel DMW (Israel Afeare) reacted on Instagram, suggesting Maduro might spend his remaining days incarcerated. Experts are also weighing in on how this unprecedented US action could affect Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu's plans for 2026, considering the geopolitical and economic ties within the global south.
