NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Condemns Trump’s Capture of Venezuelan Leader Nicolás Maduro as ‘Act of War’
NEW YORK, N.Y. — In a dramatic escalation of U.S.-Venezuelan tensions, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly condemned President Donald Trump’s recent capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, labeling the action an “act of war” and a breach of both federal and international law. Mamdani, a democratic socialist inaugurated just days ago, revealed Saturday that he had spoken directly with Trump to express his opposition to the operation, which involved detaining Maduro and his wife in New York City.
President Trump announced the capture early Saturday morning, describing it as the culmination of a “large scale strike” following months of targeted assaults on suspected drug shipments linked to Maduro’s regime in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific. The operation, carried out with CIA intelligence support, marks a significant and controversial moment in U.S. foreign policy toward Venezuela.
“I called the president and spoke with him directly to register my opposition to this act and to make clear that it was an opposition based on being opposed to a pursuit of regime change, to the violation of federal international law and a desire to see that be consistent each and every day,” Mamdani said during a news conference. “I registered my opposition, I made it clear and we left it at that.”
The Venezuelan government swiftly condemned the strike, accusing the United States of waging a “colonial war” aimed at seizing the country’s oil and mineral wealth and forcing a regime change in alliance with what it described as a “fascist oligarchy.” This rhetoric echoes longstanding grievances voiced by Caracas about U.S. interference.
Mayor Mamdani, who campaigned on progressive policies including public housing, childcare, and city-owned grocery stores, emphasized the potential repercussions for New Yorkers, particularly the large Venezuelan diaspora in the city. On social media platform X, he warned that the “blatant pursuit of regime change” would directly impact the safety of Venezuelans living in New York and pledged that his administration would closely monitor developments and issue guidance as needed.
The operation’s announcement came as Maduro and his wife were transported to New York to face criminal charges, including drug trafficking and weapons violations. The Trump administration has framed the capture as a step toward ensuring “American justice” and disrupting narcotics networks allegedly tied to the Venezuelan government.
The involvement of the Central Intelligence Agency was pivotal, with CIA Director John Ratcliffe overseeing the operation alongside President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has accused Cuban personnel of protecting Maduro’s inner circle. The U.S. Department of State has since emphasized its commitment to upholding the rule of law and combating transnational crime.
This incident has sparked debate among U.S. lawmakers and international observers. Some Republicans have defended Trump’s authority to carry out the capture, while Democrats, including Mamdani, caution against the risks of unilateral regime change efforts. The U.S. Congress faces mounting pressure to address the legal and geopolitical ramifications of the operation.
Maduro’s political trajectory—from bus driver to Venezuela’s embattled leader—has been marked by economic turmoil and accusations of authoritarianism. Both Mamdani and Maduro advocate for redistributive policies, though their approaches differ: Mamdani focuses on taxing the wealthy and expanding public services, while Maduro relies on state control of oil revenues and resource management.
As tensions simmer, New Yorkers await further updates on the situation’s impact on local communities and international relations. The mayor’s office has pledged vigilance and support for Venezuelan residents, underscoring the city’s role as a global crossroads amid a volatile moment in U.S.-Venezuelan relations.
For ongoing coverage, see the U.S. Department of State’s Venezuela page, the CIA’s official website, and updates from the U.S. Congress. The White House briefing room also provides statements and press releases related to this developing story.
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