Trump Confirms the Detention of Nicolás Maduro; U.S. Announces Federal Charges as Venezuela Denounces “Military Aggression”

Written by Parriva — January 3, 2026

 

President Donald Trump confirmed this Saturday the detention of Nicolás Maduro, a public statement that has pushed relations between the United States and Venezuela to a critical point. Shortly afterward, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that Maduro faces federal charges in New York, while the Venezuelan government denounced a “military aggression,” demanded proof of life, and activated emergency measures. Parriva.com details what is confirmed, what is attributed, and what still requires verification.

What Is Confirmed

  • Presidential confirmation: Trump confirmed the detention of Nicolás Maduro in public remarks.

  • Judicial process announced: Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that there are federal indictments in New York against Maduro, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, conspiracy to import cocaine, and weapons-of-war offenses against the United States.

  • Official briefing: U.S. authorities announced a press conference to provide further details about the operation and the legal process.

What the U.S. Claims (With Attribution)

  • Trump said the operation was “surgical” and that he does not believe there were U.S. casualties.

  • U.S. officials indicated that Maduro and his wife are in custody and being transferred to New York.

Still pending documentary verification:

  • Court records (unsealing of the indictment, arrest warrants, initial appearance).

  • Chain of custody and legal authority for the transfer.

Venezuela’s Response

  • Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded proof of life and denounced a violation of international law.

  • The government reported explosions and aircraft overflights in Caracas and nearby states, as well as power outages in parts of the capital; it declared a state of external emergency and called for mobilization.

  • Military authorities urged the population to remain calm.

On-the-Ground Evidence and Verification

  • Citizen videos show columns of smoke and detonations.

  • Identification of targets and the exact authorship of the attacks remain under independent verification.

  • As of publication, there is no confirmed official casualty count.

International Reactions

  • Colombia expressed concern over regional escalation.

  • Cuba condemned what it called a criminal attack.

  • Spain urged de-escalation and offered mediation, emphasizing consular protection.

  • Russia denounced an armed aggression and called for dialogue.

Context and Implications

  • Legal: Presidential confirmation shifts the focus to federal courts and the presentation of evidence.

  • Regional: Heightened risk of destabilization in the Caribbean and Latin America.

  • Latino communities in the U.S.: Potential impacts on migration, energy, and security, increasing the demand for verified information.

What Comes Next

  1. Publication of the federal indictment and initial court appearance.

  2. Verifiable proof of the detainees’ location and condition.

  3. Independent reporting on damages and casualties.

  4. Operational details following the official press conference.

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