Communists Rally in Times Square Demanding Narco-Terrorists Dictator Maduro’s Release [WATCH]

Communist and leftist activists gathered in New York City’s Times Square following the U.S. military capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, calling for his release and condemning the American operation that transferred him to the United States to face federal narco-terrorism charges.

The demonstration took place after Maduro was taken into U.S. custody and flown out of Venezuela.

Protesters were seen holding signs reading “Release Maduro” and displaying images of Maduro alongside slogans including “Stand with the Bolivian Revolution.”

Participants waved communist flags and accused the United States of unlawfully detaining the Venezuelan leader.

One protester who addressed the crowd alleged that the United States had “kidnapped” Maduro and argued that the operation was driven by American efforts to gain control over Venezuela’s oil reserves.

New York City (Jan. 3) — Leftists gather in Times Square to demand the release of Nicolas Maduro. Human Rights Watch estimates that nearly 18,000 Venezuelans have been killed by Maduro’s regime. pic.twitter.com/nkp5D2f0mY

— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) January 3, 2026

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A booth set up at the gathering distributed communist literature and recruited supporters opposed to what organizers described as U.S. imperialism.

Communist literature spotted at Times Square protest against US military operations in Venezuela pic.twitter.com/UZlU8lsrKH

— NJEG Media (@NJEGmedia) January 3, 2026

The protest drew attention not only because of its message but also because of the visible presence of ideological organizing in a major public space.

Observers reported that activists used the event to sign up new members, distribute printed materials, and promote opposition to U.S. foreign policy.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued a statement after news broke of Maduro’s capture, publicly criticizing the U.S. action.

Mamdani described the operation as unlawful and warned of its potential effects on city residents.

“Unilaterally attacking a sovereign nation is an act of war and a violation of federal and international law,” Mamdani said.

“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. My focus is their safety and the safety of every New Yorker, and my administration will continue to monitor the situation and issue relevant guidance.”

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— Tomi Lahren (@TomiLahren) January 3, 2026

Mayor Zohran Mamdani says he spoke to President Donald Trump to register opposition to the abduction of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro. pic.twitter.com/ylCLA4czEU

— Matthew Chayes (@chayesmatthew) January 3, 2026

Mamdani’s comments were circulated widely as the Times Square protest unfolded, drawing attention to differing reactions within New York City to the developments in Venezuela.

At the same time, Venezuelans supporting the Trump administration’s actions were also present in Times Square.

Some were seen confronting left-wing demonstrators advocating for Maduro’s release.

Others expressed gratitude toward President Donald Trump for authorizing the operation that led to Maduro’s removal from power and transfer to the United States.

Venezuelans confront protesters in Times Square:

“Thank you Mr Presidente Donald Trump!” pic.twitter.com/hPSrimd3AB

— NJEG Media (@NJEGmedia) January 3, 2026

The opposing demonstrations reflected deep divisions within the Venezuelan diaspora and among political activists in the city.

While leftist groups called for Maduro’s release and denounced U.S. involvement, Venezuelan opponents of the regime described the capture as a long-awaited step toward accountability.

Similar scenes of celebration have been reported among Venezuelans in other countries following Maduro’s removal.

Madrid, Spain (Jan. 3) — Thousands of Venezuelan migrants gathered to celebrate the arrest of Nicolas Maduro and his wife by the U.S. government. pic.twitter.com/IMUPyUxjPh

— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) January 4, 2026

Venezuelan communities abroad have publicly marked the development after years of political unrest and economic decline under Maduro’s leadership.

Maduro has been accused by the United States of leading the Cartel of the Suns, a drug trafficking organization alleged to have funneled large quantities of narcotics into the United States.

U.S. authorities have long maintained that the group operated with the protection of senior Venezuelan officials.

Maduro has been in power since 2013, when he succeeded longtime Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez.

His most recent election has been widely disputed, with multiple countries refusing to recognize him as Venezuela’s legitimate president.

International criticism of his government has focused on allegations of election irregularities, political repression, and corruption.

The political and economic crisis in Venezuela has led to one of the largest displacement events in the Western Hemisphere.

According to the United Nations refugee agency, approximately 8 million people have fled Venezuela since 2017 amid ongoing instability and economic collapse.

Worth listening to Mariana Atencio, native Venezuelan journalist, on what the people in Venezuela actually wanted when it came to Maduro. pic.twitter.com/M28fO8lWMn

— amit (@amitisinvesting) January 3, 2026