Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was escorted in handcuffs by U.S. law enforcement officers through a DEA facility in New York, in what officials are calling a “perp walk” following his capture. The image of Maduro being led through the hallway underscores the swift and decisive action taken by U.S. forces on January 3, 2026.

The operation, executed by special forces and coordinated strikes in Venezuela, resulted in the arrest of both Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple faced longstanding indictments for narco-terrorism, cocaine trafficking, and weapons offenses, unsealed by U.S. authorities in 2020.

President Donald Trump publicly announced the arrests, framing them as a major victory for law enforcement and U.S. national security. Multiple news outlets, including CNN and Fox News, confirmed the operation and Maduro’s subsequent detention in the United States.

The perp walk at the DEA facility symbolizes the enforcement of justice for years of criminal activity, showcasing the United States’ commitment to holding foreign leaders accountable for actions that directly threatened American interests and contributed to global narcotics trafficking.

U.S. officials have emphasized that the arrests were carried out with precision, resulting in no American casualties, and represent a broader pattern of decisive action against rogue regimes. The operation has been widely hailed by supporters as a demonstration of America’s ability to enforce law and order on a global stage while minimizing collateral risk.