The RecordExhibit 71
Seized another country's president
Alleged means: Serious, credible accusations of illegality that no court or watchdog has decided yet.
U.S. forces bombed targets in Caracas and captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, flying them to New York to face charges.
What happened
The raid followed months of boat strikes and military pressure. Venezuela's government said civilians and soldiers were killed. Trump said the U.S. would 'run' Venezuela and tap its oil reserves. Congress never authorized the use of force, and Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Colombia condemned the operation.
Where it stands
Maduro pleaded not guilty to narco-terrorism charges, and a judge set his trial for June 1, 2027. His lawyers are seeking dismissal on head-of-state immunity grounds, with arguments set for November. Legal experts widely questioned whether the operation was lawful under international law.
The administration's side
The administration says Maduro was an illegitimate ruler, under U.S. indictment since 2020, whose cartels killed Americans, and compares it to the 1989 capture of Manuel Noriega.
Sources
Permanent link: https://unredactedrecord.com/e/maduro/