Maduro capture ‘act of war,’ says Mamdani, who calls for Netanyahu’s arrest

“This blatant pursuit of regime change doesn’t just affect those abroad; it directly impacts New Yorkers, including tens of thousands of Venezuelans who call this city home,” Mamdani said.

By JNS

Zohran Mamdani, the New York City mayor who has said that he would have Benjamin Netanyahu arrested if the Israeli prime minister visits the Big Apple, said on Saturday that he had been briefed on the U.S. military action in Venezuela, in which forces captured dictator Nicolás Maduro and his wife, and on “their planned imprisonment in federal custody here in New York City.”

“Unilaterally attacking a sovereign nation is an act of war and a violation of federal and international law,” the mayor stated.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani comments on the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, saying he spoke directly with US President Donald Trump to register his opposition to the move.#Maduro #Mamdani pic.twitter.com/WwHpg3ShL4

— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) January 4, 2026

“This blatant pursuit of regime change doesn’t just affect those abroad; it directly impacts New Yorkers, including tens of thousands of Venezuelans who call this city home.”

Critics noted what they said were inconsistent views.

“In a stunning turn of events, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani suddenly decides that arresting foreign leaders is a bad thing,” stated Inna Vernikov, a member of the New York City Council.

Another social media user stated that the “guy who thinks he can arrest Benjamin Netanyahu also thinks it’s bad to arrest foreign leaders.”

arrestNicolás MaduroZohran Mamdani