Houston, January 4, 2026
In a significant military operation, the U.S. government has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife following a raid in Caracas. President Trump linked the operation to the tragic killing of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, which raised concerns over Venezuelan gangs operating in the U.S. Maduro is expected to face charges in New York related to drug trafficking and terrorism. This event has sparked a mix of responses, particularly among the Venezuelan community in Houston.
Houston
The United States government announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following a large-scale military operation in Caracas early Saturday. President Donald Trump, in an address from Mar-a-Lago, cited the 2024 killing of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray in Houston as a primary reason for this action, stating it was part of the U.S. government’s rationale for capturing Venezuela’s leader.
Details of the Capture and Justification
President Trump stated that the U.S. military carried out a “large scale strike against Venezuela” which led to the capture of Maduro and his wife. They were reportedly flown out of the country and are expected to face federal charges in New York related to drug trafficking and involvement with gangs designated as terrorist organizations. The operation, named “Absolute Resolve,” involved over 150 aircraft and was spearheaded by the U.S. Army’s elite Delta Force. U.S. forces reached Maduro’s compound at 1:01 a.m. EST Saturday and departed by 3:29 a.m. EST.
Trump explicitly linked the capture to the tragic death of Jocelyn Nungaray in Houston in June 2024. He claimed that Nungaray’s slaying was carried out by members of the Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua, asserting that this organization had been “sent by Maduro to terrorize our people”. However, Harris County authorities have not publicly confirmed any affiliation between the accused individuals and the Tren de Aragua gang.
The Killing of Jocelyn Nungaray
Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl, was sexually assaulted and strangled to death in North Houston in June 2024. Her body was discovered in a north Houston bayou, a crime that drew national attention. Two Venezuelan nationals, Franklin Peña and Johan Martinez-Rangel, were arrested and charged with capital murder, kidnapping, and aggravated sexual assault in connection with her death. Authorities believe these individuals entered the United States without permission. Texas prosecutors have indicated their intent to seek the death penalty in this case.
Broader Context and Reactions
The President has frequently referenced Nungaray’s killing during his presidential campaign, attributing violent crime to undocumented immigrants. The U.S. government had previously indicted Maduro in 2020 for “narco-terrorism” and conspiracy to import cocaine, with a $50 million bounty on his head. Following the news of Maduro’s capture, some Venezuelans residing in Houston expressed celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the main event announced by the United States government recently?
The United States government announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following a large-scale military operation in Caracas early Saturday.
Who is Jocelyn Nungaray?
Jocelyn Nungaray was a 12-year-old girl killed in Houston in June 2024.
How is Jocelyn Nungaray’s killing related to the capture of Nicolás Maduro?
President Donald Trump cited the 2024 killing of Jocelyn Nungaray in Houston as a primary reason for the U.S. government’s rationale for capturing Venezuela’s leader.
What are the charges against Nicolás Maduro?
Nicolás Maduro and his wife are expected to face federal charges in New York related to drug trafficking and involvement with gangs designated as terrorist organizations.
Who are the suspects in Jocelyn Nungaray’s killing?
Two Venezuelan nationals, Franklin Peña and Johan Martinez-Rangel, were arrested and charged with capital murder, kidnapping, and aggravated sexual assault in connection with Jocelyn Nungaray’s death.
What is the scope of the facts regarding Jocelyn Nungaray’s killing?
Jocelyn Nungaray’s killing occurred in Houston, Texas, a State-level event that attracted national attention.
Key Features
| Feature | Description | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Jocelyn Nungaray | 12-year-old girl killed in June 2024, sexually assaulted and strangled in North Houston, Texas. | State-level (Houston, Texas), national attention |
| Suspects in Nungaray’s killing | Two Venezuelan nationals, Franklin Peña and Johan Martinez-Rangel, charged with capital murder, kidnapping, and aggravated sexual assault. Thought to have entered the U.S. without permission. | Nationwide (referencing origin), State-level (charges in Texas) |
| President Donald Trump’s announcement | On Saturday, January 3, 2026, announced the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. | Nationwide (U.S. President) |
| Reason for Maduro’s capture | Trump cited Jocelyn Nungaray’s killing as part of the U.S. government’s rationale, linking it to the Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua. | Nationwide (U.S. government rationale) |
| Nicolás Maduro | Venezuelan President, captured along with his wife in a U.S. military operation in Caracas. Facing federal charges in New York. | International (Venezuela), Nationwide (U.S. charges) |
| U.S. Military Operation | “Large-scale strike” named “Absolute Resolve,” led by U.S. Army’s Delta Force, involving over 150 aircraft. | Nationwide (U.S. military action) |