Explainer | Was the US capture of Venezuela’s President Maduro legal?
Nicolas Maduro to face charges in New York - but experts question the legality of the US operation and plans to ‘run’ Venezuela
03:31
Trump pledges to keep oil flowing to China after Maduro capture
Hours later on Saturday evening, Maduro was in a New York jail after American special forces flew him out of his country.
A US government plane carrying Maduro landed at a military base shortly after nightfall, and he was transported by helicopter to New York City, where he and his wife were to be arraigned on drug trafficking and weapons charges.
The White House posted video on X of Maduro, handcuffed and in sandals, escorted by federal agents through a US Drug Enforcement Administration facility in New York.
“Good night, happy new year,” the 63-year-old leftist is heard saying in English.
Below is a look at the legality of the US action.