In a historic turn for the region, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro spent his first night in a cell at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York. According to Argentina's Noticias Argentinas agency, Maduro faces federal charges of drug trafficking and terrorism after being extracted from his country amid strategic bombings over Caracas. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that federal forces have taken operational command of Venezuela to ensure security and energy flow. Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba demanded the 'immediate release' of Maduro, while thousands of Venezuelan exiles celebrated the fall of the Chavista leader after 18 years in power across various world capitals. Trump was emphatic about the future of oil infrastructure: he announced incentives for major U.S. companies to invest 'billions of dollars' to repair Venezuela's industry. Venezuela holds about 17% of global crude reserves, a key asset Washington seeks to normalize after years of sanctions. Despite Maduro's capture, the political situation in Caracas is chaotic. While Trump suggested his cabinet would 'govern' in collaboration with the opposition, Venezuela's Supreme Court ruled that Vice President Delcy Rodriguez should assume the presidency. The international community is divided. After being captured by commandos early Saturday, footage of his arrival in the U.S. went viral, notably a video where the leftist leader, escorted and handcuffed, quipped: 'Good night! Happy New Year!'
