Protesters gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn on January 1, 2026, to voice their opposition to the U.S. military’s actions against Venezuela and the recent capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Demonstrators demanded his release and criticized President Donald Trump‘s actions as illegal, arguing that such military interventions could set a troubling precedent for other nations.
The protest took place as Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were being held on narcoterrorism charges following their arrival in New York on January 1. Activist Zoe Alexandra from the ANSWER Coalition, an anti-war organization, spoke passionately against the military operation known as Operation Absolute Resolve. She questioned, “What’s stopping Trump from doing this to other countries?” highlighting concerns over potential future military actions.
Critics of the operation assert that it is driven by Venezuela’s vast oil reserves rather than genuine concern for narcotics trafficking. Alexandra pointed to the release of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was convicted in the same court where Maduro is being prosecuted, to emphasize perceived inconsistencies in U.S. motives. “If they really care about prosecuting drug traffickers, why did they release Hernandez?” she asked.
Supporters of the military action argue that Maduro’s authoritarian rule necessitates intervention. Esteban Chacin, who left Venezuela nine years ago, expressed that the previous government was corrupt and that, while the U.S. actions are bold, they may be essential for the Venezuelan people. “The life we left was unsustainable,” he stated.
Another protest attendee, Zulimar Mendoza, who emigrated in 2018, described the extreme poverty in Venezuela, saying, “I saw families, entire families, eating from the garbage.” Mendoza emphasized the sacrifices she makes to support her family back home, stating, “It’s a sacrifice, yes, but it’s necessary in this case, because we are stuck. We don’t have solutions.”
At the same time, Venezuelan flags were displayed in parts of New York City, symbolizing hope for change among some demonstrators. Yet, not all were pleased with this display. Lucy Pagoada from Queens criticized the celebrations surrounding Maduro’s capture, calling it “the kidnapping of a president.”
As the situation unfolds, Venezuelans both in their home country and abroad are closely monitoring developments. Chacin expressed a desire for their nation to regain control over its future, stating, “I just hope that if it all falls in the hands of Venezuelans, that we can dictate our own future.”
The protests reflect a deep divide in opinions regarding U.S. involvement in Venezuela, highlighting the complexities surrounding Maduro’s leadership and the consequences of international military actions.
