Hours later on Saturday evening, Maduro was in a New York jail after American special forces flew him out of his country.

A US government plane carrying Maduro landed at a military base shortly after nightfall, and he was transported by helicopter to New York City, where he and his wife were to be arraigned on drug trafficking and weapons charges.

The White House posted video on X of Maduro, handcuffed and in sandals, escorted by federal agents through a US Drug Enforcement Administration facility in New York.

“Good night, happy new year,” the 63-year-old leftist is heard saying in English.

Below is a look at the legality of the US action.