Washington/New York/Caracas: The United States on Saturday released a video showing detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro being escorted in handcuffs, a highly symbolic move that underscored Washington’s claim of having removed the longtime leader from power. The footage, commonly described as a “perp walk,” shows Maduro under heavy guard as he was led into custody following his capture.
According to US media reports, Maduro is set to be transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in New York City. The federal jail has a reputation for harsh conditions, including overcrowding, security lapses, and repeated power failures. Built in the 1990s to address prison congestion, the MDC has previously held several high-profile inmates, ranging from entertainers and financiers to alleged organised crime figures.
Maduro perp walk. pic.twitter.com/e1Maaun5EK
— Paul Mauro (@PaulDMauro) January 4, 2026
The release of the video came amid rapidly shifting political developments in Venezuela. Within hours of Maduro and his wife being taken out of the country, scenes of celebration were reported among sections of the Venezuelan opposition, particularly in exile communities.
At the same time, uncertainty deepened over who would lead Venezuela next. US President Donald Trump publicly cast doubt on opposition figure María Corina Machado, signalling that Washington may not back her for a central role in a post-Maduro transition. Trump suggested instead that cooperation with Delcy Rodríguez, a long-time Maduro ally, could be considered.
Asked during a press briefing whether Machado would be involved in shaping Venezuela’s future leadership, Trump said he had not spoken with her and questioned her standing within the country. While calling her “a very nice woman,” he said she lacked sufficient domestic support and influence to govern.
Machado has been vocal in calling for the immediate swearing-in of Edmundo González Urrutia, who is recognised by many Western governments as the legitimate winner of Venezuela’s disputed 2024 presidential election.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s Supreme Court announced late Saturday that Vice President Delcy Rodríguez would assume the powers of acting president. The court said Maduro was currently unable to perform his duties, citing a “material and temporary impossibility” following his removal by US forces.
As Maduro awaits detention in the United States and Venezuela enters a period of political uncertainty, the release of the custody video has intensified global attention on the unfolding crisis and raised fresh questions about the country’s leadership, legitimacy, and future direction.
