NEW YORK January 3, 2026 – In a strongly worded statement, New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani condemned the U.S. military’s overnight capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, describing the operation as a blatant violation of international law and an act of war. The mayor’s comments come as the Trump administration announced plans to temporarily oversee Venezuela following the dramatic raid, sparking widespread debate and global reactions.
Mayor Mamdani, who was briefed on the operation early Saturday morning, highlighted the potential repercussions for New Yorkers, particularly the city’s large Venezuelan community. “Unilaterally attacking a sovereign nation is an act of war and a violation of federal and international law,” he posted on X. “This blatant pursuit of regime change doesn’t just affect those abroad, it directly impacts New Yorkers, including tens of thousands of Venezuelans who call this city home. My focus is their safety and the safety of every New Yorker, and my administration will continue to monitor the situation and issue relevant guidance.”
The operation, carried out by the U.S. Army’s elite Delta Force unit, involved air, land, and sea strikes on Venezuelan targets, including explosions reported in Caracas around 2 a.m. local time. President Donald Trump confirmed the capture in a social media post and subsequent press conference, stating that Maduro and Flores had been flown out of the country and were en route to federal custody in New York to face drug-related charges. Trump further declared that the U.S. would “run the country” on a temporary basis until a “safe, proper, and judicious transition” could occur, emphasizing no American casualties and the operation’s success.
The move marks the most direct U.S. military intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama. Maduro, indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2020 on narco-terrorism charges, was reportedly located by CIA intelligence before being apprehended from a safe house. Venezuelan officials decried the action as an “extremely serious military aggression,” while international responses ranged from condemnation by allies like Russia and Iran to cautious statements from others.
In New York, home to one of the largest Venezuelan diaspora communities in the U.S., reactions were mixed. Some residents celebrated the capture, viewing Maduro as a “cartel boss” responsible for Venezuela’s economic collapse and humanitarian crisis. “The Venezuelans in NY are celebrating,” posted one X user in response to Mamdani’s statement. Others echoed the mayor’s concerns, warning of potential unrest or diplomatic fallout.
Critics of Mamdani’s stance were quick to respond online, accusing him of sympathizing with Maduro’s regime. “Oh please. Zohran Mamdani suddenly discovered international law while parroting propaganda for a narco-regime,” wrote one commenter. Another labeled the mayor a “communist” and dismissed his views. Supporters, however, praised his focus on community safety, with one user noting, “Reply sections looks awful, keep doing your work Mamdani, you’re on the right side of history.”
The broader implications of the operation remain unclear. Trump has signaled openness to deploying U.S. troops if needed, though he lacks explicit congressional approval for an extended occupation. Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Ruben Gallego, criticized the move on Fox News, arguing it exceeds legal bounds without public or legislative backing.
Meanwhile, global markets reacted with oil prices fluctuating amid speculation over U.S. access to Venezuela’s vast reserves.
Mayor Mamdani’s office has not yet responded to requests for further comment, but city officials say they are preparing guidance for affected communities. As the situation unfolds, New York remains at the center of this international drama, with Maduro’s impending arrival underscoring the city’s role in U.S. foreign policy enforcement.
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