Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was transferred to the notorious Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in New York City, notorious for its harsh conditions, following his surprise arrest over the weekend. The MDC has gained notoriety for its extreme conditions, staff shortages, violence among inmates, and frequent power outages. According to reports, the jail has been compared to a “nightmare” by law enforcement officials.
The Venezuelan leader was taken into custody by US special forces on Sunday morning. The MDC has a history of hosting high-profile inmates since its establishment in the 1990s to address overcrowding issues in US prisons. However, the jail has struggled with continuous threats to the safety of inmates, with a notable incident in 2024 where an inmate was killed with a knife and another died in a fight the following month.
US Senator Marco Rubio stated that the US will not engage in further action against Venezuela, following a recent surge in tensions. The MDC has also faced criticism for its treatment of inmates, including a 2019 incident where inmates were left in darkness for a week due to a prolonged power outage. An investigation led to the payment of $1 million to 1,600 inmates.
The transfer of Maduro to the MDC comes after he was flown to New York City on Sunday, following a US military operation in Venezuela. He will be presented in a New York court, facing charges of narcotics trafficking and terrorism. According to sources, the CIA played a key role in the operation.
US President Donald Trump had announced plans to take control of Venezuela’s affairs, including seizing oil reserves and allowing US oil companies to operate in the country. However, Trump’s plan was met with resistance from Venezuelan officials, including Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who stated that Maduro would not be released and that Venezuela would not become a colony of any country.
The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the situation in Venezuela, following a recent surge in tensions. The US ambassador stated that the US would not allow itself to become the “world’s cop,” and that other countries should not be subject to US military action.
A recent survey found that only 33% of Americans support the US operation against Venezuela. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of Greenland, Jens Frederik Nielsen, stated that the situation in Venezuela was unlike anything seen in his country and expressed hope for improved relations with the US.
The Liberal Democrats have called for a legal opinion on the US operation, stating that it represents a threat to international law. US Vice President Mike Pence expressed gratitude for the support of those who criticized the vandalism of his home and the special agencies that cooperated in the operation.
Iran’s judicial chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Eje’i, stated that those responsible for the protests in Iran would be punished according to the law. Venezuela’s First Lady, Cilia Flores, denied the allegations made against her by the US, stating that she was innocent.
The situation in Venezuela remains volatile, with the interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, offering to disarm and cooperate with the US. The UN Secretary-General expressed concern over the situation in Venezuela during a Security Council meeting.
