In the early minutes of the attack, Donald Trump's threats seemed to materialize as the United States launched its initial strikes against key military targets of the Bolivarian Republic[i]. A tweet from the White House confirmed that the United States military had captured Nicolás Maduro Moros, and a picture quickly began circulating of the Venezuelan President blindfolded, on board the U.S.S. [ix] Even though Noriega did not hold an official role as head of state of Panama at the time, he was the de facto leader. [xiii] One question that does seem especially pertinent is whether Maduro could invoke sovereign immunity in U.S. proceedings against him. [xxi]Paul Montgomery is a staff member of Fordham International Law Journal Volume XLIX.

Source: International New York Times March 01, 2026 19:47 UTC