Reported Maduro Extraction Timeline
In early January 2026, a rapid sequence of reported events unfolded involving the extraction of Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela by U.S. forces. Information surfaced through a mix of public statements, civilian videos, and media reporting, often appearing out of order and across multiple locations.
This post aligns those reports into a single chronological reconstruction. The goal is simple: make the sequence easier to follow, from the first reported authorization to the first reported legal proceedings.
Important note: This timeline is an analytical reconstruction based on reported timestamps, public statements, civilian videos, and media reporting. It is not verified historical fact, an official account, or a confirmed narrative.
Explore the Interactive Map
If you want the clearest view of this sequence, open the interactive timeline map. It lets you step through each reported phase, see where it was reported to occur, and follow the transitions as they unfold. Click the image below to open the full interactive map in a new tab.
Once inside, you can scrub through the timeline, jump between phases, and explore the reported locations directly.
Chronological Reconstruction
The following sections summarize the reported sequence of events. Each phase includes the reported timestamp and location, followed by a brief description of what was publicly claimed or shown.
Authorization
Friday, January 2, 2026 – 10:46 PM EST
Location: Mar-a-Lago, Florida
Reports indicate that President Trump authorized the operation late Friday evening, with Senator Marco Rubio present. Public reporting places the decision at Mar-a-Lago following a period of monitoring conditions.
Initial Movement and Air Activity
Friday, January 2, 2026 – 10:47 PM EST
Location: Venezuelan Coast
Shortly after authorization, media accounts describe the movement of approximately 150 aircraft toward Venezuelan airspace. Reporting references efforts to establish control along coastal regions.
Ground Activity in Caracas
Saturday, January 3, 2026 – 1:01 AM EST
Location: Caracas, Venezuela
Civilian videos posted online show explosions in parts of Caracas around this time. Reporting places U.S. forces at or near Maduro’s compound during this period.
Extraction and Offshore Movement
Saturday, January 3, 2026 – 3:29 AM EST
Location: Venezuelan Coast
Accounts state that forces departed Venezuelan territory with Maduro in custody and moved offshore. The USS Iwo Jima is cited as the receiving vessel.
Public Confirmation
Saturday, January 3, 2026 – 11:39 AM EST
Location: Mar-a-Lago, Florida
A press conference later that morning marked the first official acknowledgment of the operation. An image of Maduro outside Venezuela was released publicly.
Arrival in the United States
Saturday, January 3, 2026 – 5:00 PM EST
Location: Stewart International Airport, New York
Media reports state that Maduro arrived in the United States under federal custody at Stewart International Airport.
Custody Images Released
Saturday, January 3, 2026 – 8:40 PM EST
Location: Stewart International Airport, New York
Images released later that evening show Maduro under DEA custody during a controlled transfer.
Judicial Proceedings
Monday, January 5, 2026
Location: To be determined
Reuters reported that an initial court appearance was expected on Monday. No specific location was confirmed at the time of reporting.
Key Takeaways from Reported Timing
Aligned into a single sequence, the reporting suggests an operation that moved from authorization to custody transfer within roughly a day, followed by an expected legal appearance soon after.
- Compressed window: The most operationally active phases were reported within a single overnight stretch.
- Disclosure gap: Public confirmation occurred hours after the reported extraction.
- Visibility was uneven: The clearest public footage appears during the Caracas phase and later during custody imagery.
| Stage | Reported Timing | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Authorization | Late Jan 2 | Florida |
| Ground Activity | Early Jan 3 | Caracas |
| Custody Transfer | Jan 3 Evening | New York |
Conclusion
This reconstruction does not attempt to explain motives, legality, or long-term consequences. It aligns the reported sequence of events as they emerged publicly. For the clearest way to follow the timeline, open the interactive map using the image above and step through each phase directly.