New York City’s Times Square became a hot spot for anger on January 3, 2026, as hundreds of people came out to protest the United States’ bold move to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The U.S. military hit targets near Caracas early that morning, grabbing Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a quick operation. President Donald Trump told the world about it from his home in Mar-a-Lago, Florida. He said this was to fix Venezuela’s big problems like bad economy, fake elections, and links to drugs and terror groups. Trump promised the U.S. would look after Venezuela for a short time until things get better, and they would use the country’s oil to help. But not everyone was happy. Protests popped up all over the U.S., run by groups like The People’s Forum and ANSWER Coalition. In places like New York and Florida, some people cheered the capture, while others called it wrong. Democrats said it was against the law, and Republicans backed it, saying it stops bad groups like Tren de Aragua from hurting people.
This event has split opinions fast. In Venezuela, some people are glad Maduro is gone after years of hard times. But others there and around the world see it as the U.S. pushing too far into another country’s business. The story is still new, with Maduro now in New York facing court for drug charges. Police and leaders are watching closely as more protests might happen.
The Capture: How It Happened
It all started before dawn on January 3. U.S. special forces, like the Army’s Delta Force, went into Venezuela. They hit places near Caracas with airstrikes to knock out power and confuse guards. Then, they found Maduro in a safe house and took him and his wife. Trump said it was a big strike done with help from spies inside Venezuela. A source from the CIA tracked Maduro’s spot for days. The whole thing took less than three hours – they got in at 1 a.m. and left by 3:30 a.m.
Maduro and Flores were flown by helicopter to a U.S. ship, the USS Iwo Jima, waiting in the sea. From there, they went to Guantánamo Bay and then to New York on a plane. They landed at Stewart Air National Guard Base. Maduro looked tired in photos, wearing a gray suit and blindfold. Trump shared a picture on his social media, saying, “Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima.” The U.S. says Maduro faces charges for drugs and weapons in a New York court next week.
A U.S. general, Dan Caine, from the Joint Chiefs, said many forces helped, like bombers and helicopters. It was called Operation Absolute Resolve. Trump said it was needed because Maduro was a “narco-dictator” who stole elections and hurt his people. Venezuela has been in trouble for years – high prices, no food, and millions left the country. The U.S. had put money rewards for Maduro’s capture before.
Protests Break Out in Times Square
By afternoon, Times Square in New York was full of protesters. They held signs saying “Hands Off Venezuela” and “Release Maduro.” Groups like The People’s Forum and ANSWER Coalition called people to come out fast. They said the U.S. kidnapped Maduro and it was like starting a war. One leader, Manolo De Los Santos from The People’s Forum, told the crowd, “The U.S. has no right to run Venezuela. The people there should decide.” Chants like “No War on Venezuela” and “Stop the Bombings” filled the air.
Videos from the spot show red flags and pictures of Maduro. Protesters said it was about oil – the U.S. wants Venezuela’s big oil fields. Similar rallies happened in over 75 cities, like Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Portland, and Seattle. In L.A., about 40 people called it a “brutal assault.” John Parker from a social justice group said, “This is a war crime. Free Maduro now.”
But not all were against it. In Miami, Venezuelans danced and cheered. They said Maduro made their lives hell, with killings and torture. One woman with a Venezuelan flag tried to speak at a protest but was pushed away. Exiles there thanked Trump for ending the bad rule.
Reactions Across the U.S. and World
The news split people in the U.S. Republicans like Trump said it was good to stop Maduro, who helped gangs like Tren de Aragua bring crime to America. Trump said, “We will run the country until a safe transition.” He promised to use oil money for Venezuelans. Supporters think this fixes the migrant problem from Venezuela.
Democrats called it wrong. They said Trump broke laws by not asking Congress first. A group called WOLA said, “This violates international rules and sets a bad example.” They worry it could start bigger fights in the area. President Joe Biden’s old team had tried talks, but Trump went for force.
Around the world, leaders spoke out. Russia and China, friends of Maduro, said it was an attack on a free country. Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez went on TV and said, “We will fight back.” Iran, with its own protests, backed her. But some Latin countries stayed quiet, waiting to see.
In Venezuela, streets were calm at first, but Maduro fans rallied in Caracas. They want him back. Others freed from jail after election protests are happy. Experts say there might be more chaos without a quick new leader.
A foreign policy expert from PBS said, “The U.S. can catch a leader, but what next? Boots on the ground could mean a long war.” NPR asked questions like, “Is this freedom or too much power?”
Why Did the U.S. Do This?
Venezuela has been in mess for a long time. Maduro took over after Hugo Chávez in 2013. But many say he cheated in elections, like in 2024. The U.S. called him out for drugs – he was charged in 2020 for helping send cocaine to America. Trump built up forces in the area for months. He said Maduro hurt Venezuelans with bad money plans, making the bolivar worthless.
Oil is a big part. Venezuela has the most oil in the world, but under Maduro, it went down because of bad care and U.S. blocks. Trump said the U.S. will tap those reserves to help fix things. Critics say it’s just to get cheap oil for America.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “Maduro is in custody. He will face justice in New York.” This ties to old cases linking him to narco-terror.
What Happens Next for Venezuela?
Trump says the U.S. will handle Venezuela until a new government is ready. But how? He talked about a “judicious transition.” Maybe help opposition leaders like those from 2024 elections. But Rodriguez is now in charge there, and she vows to stay.
Risks are high. Oil prices might go up if fights continue. Other countries could hit back, like cyberattacks or help gangs. In the U.S., more protests could grow if people see it as war.
For Maduro, court starts soon. He might fight the charges, saying it’s political. His wife faces similar ones.
A think tank expert said, “Venezuelans want peace and food, not more fights. This could be a chance for change, but only if done right.”
Political Split in America
This has made lines clear between parties. Republicans say it’s strong action against bad leaders. They link it to stopping crime from Venezuelan gangs in U.S. cities. Trump fans cheer it as “America first.”
Democrats worry about law. They say presidents can’t start wars alone. Some call for Congress to stop it. Protests show left groups against “imperialism.”
Even Venezuelan Americans are split. Many who fled Maduro are glad, but some fear family back home in danger.
Global Impact and Oil
The world watches oil. Venezuela’s output is low now, but if U.S. helps, it could rise. Prices jumped a bit after the news. Countries like India, which buys Venezuelan oil, might see changes.
Russia, a big helper to Maduro, could lose a friend. China too. This might change power in South America.
An oil expert from Argus Media said, “This strike claims Maduro, but what about the fields? U.S. control could boost supply, but fights might stop it.”
FAQs About the U.S. Capture of Maduro and Times Square Protests
What exactly happened on January 3, 2026?
U.S. forces did airstrikes near Caracas and captured Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores in Operation Absolute Resolve. Delta Force got them from a safe house. They were flown to New York for drug charges. Trump announced it, saying the U.S. will manage Venezuela temporarily.
Why did the U.S. capture Maduro?
For his links to drugs, terror, fake elections, and bad economy. The U.S. says he ran a narco-state and hurt people. Trump wants to fix it and use oil for good.
What were the protests in Times Square about?
Groups like The People’s Forum and ANSWER said the U.S. kidnapped Maduro and wants oil. They chanted “Hands Off Venezuela” and called it war. Similar rallies in many cities.
How did Venezuelans react?
Mixed. Many exiles in Miami celebrated, saying Maduro was bad. In Venezuela, supporters rallied for him, but others are happy he’s gone.
What charges does Maduro face?
Federal drug and weapon charges in New York. He’s accused of sending cocaine to the U.S. and terror acts. Court starts next week.
Will the U.S. run Venezuela now?
Trump said yes, for a short time until a new leader. But Venezuela’s vice president says no. It could lead to more trouble.
How did political parties in the U.S. respond?
Republicans praise it as tough on crime. Democrats call it illegal and against international law.
What about oil reserves?
Venezuela has lots. Trump wants to use them for transition. Critics say it’s the real reason for the capture.
Is this against international law?
Groups like WOLA say yes, it’s an attack without reason. No self-defense claim. It sets a bad example.
What might happen next?
More protests, court for Maduro, possible new leaders in Venezuela. Watch for oil prices and world reactions.