Protests Erupt in NYC Over Venezuala President Maduro’s Detention

Hundreds gathered outside Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center on Sunday to protest U.S. military action in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Demonstrators, including members of the ANSWER Coalition, called for Maduro’s release and criticized the operation as driven by Venezuela’s oil reserves rather than drug charges.

Supporters of the U.S. action also voiced their views, saying Maduro’s capture could bring long-overdue change for Venezuelans. Amid the protests, Venezuelan flags appeared across NYC, while some residents prayed for their country’s future.

Newly sworn-in New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani strongly criticized the U.S. for capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. He said, “I called President Trump to directly convey my opposition to this attack,” adding, “I made it clear that I oppose pushing for regime change in Venezuela and any ‘violations of federal and international law.’” Mamdani also noted, “Such overt attempts at regime change directly impact New Yorkers, including tens of thousands of Venezuelans who call this city home.”

Mamdani had met Trump at the White House in November, where their surprisingly cordial encounter drew attention, despite months of public clashes during the mayoral campaign.