On January 3, 2026, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was apprehended in Venezuela and subsequently taken into custody by U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents, according to a screengrab of a post on X by Rapid Response 47, the official White House rapid response account. The image depicts Maduro being escorted inside DEA headquarters in New York.

The apprehension followed a U.S. military operation in Venezuela that included bombings, according to Al Jazeera. President Donald Trump lauded the operation as a demonstration of American military strength and competence during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago in Florida on Saturday. "This was one of the most stunning, effective, and powerful displays in American history," Trump stated.

The U.S. military action and subsequent capture of Maduro have drawn both condemnation and support from the international community. Venezuela temporarily closed its border with Brazil following the U.S. strike, according to reports. The operation has also sparked debate regarding the legality and justification of U.S. intervention in Venezuela, with some critics questioning the violation of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty.

The U.S. government has long accused Maduro of corruption, human rights abuses, and drug trafficking. These accusations have served as justification for increased U.S. sanctions and pressure on the Venezuelan government. Trump stated the U.S. would take Venezuela's oil, according to reports. Republicans have largely backed Trump's actions, though some dissent has emerged.

The situation remains fluid, with the future of Venezuela's leadership and its relationship with the United States uncertain. The U.S. government is expected to release further details regarding the charges against Maduro and its plans for the future of Venezuela in the coming days. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with many calling for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the crisis.