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. “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.”
This may be the first test of the NY PoliceDepartment under Mamdani. Maduro will be held at a Federal lock-up in Manhattan. If crowds gather to protest his capture, what will Mamdani tell NYPD to do? Protect the federal building or let the mob control the streets?
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) January 3, 2026
Pray for NYC https://t.co/XW60M9HZJf
So you admit that Hamas, the elected government of Gaza, attacking Israel on October 7th was an act of war and a violation of federal and international law? https://t.co/fkvaxGHxrm
— Brianna Wu (@BriannaWu) January 3, 2026
