NEW YORK (AP) — Nicolás Maduro, the recently captured Venezuelan president, now resides in a Brooklyn jail notorious for its troubled history. The Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) Brooklyn is known as a default venue for federal detainees, housing a mix of alleged criminals, including gang leaders, drug traffickers, and high-profile white collar offenders.
Celebrations erupted outside the facility as Venezuelan expatriates gathered to cheer upon Maduro's arrival, juxtaposing a history that includes former presidents incarcerated under its roof.
Notably, Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, faced justice here, being convicted for significant drug trafficking. Meanwhile, since the jail's establishment in the early 1990s, its conditions have come under scrutiny, described by many as dangerous and squalid.
Reports indicate rampant violence within the jail, leading to two inmate deaths in 2024 and ongoing investigations of jail staff for misconduct. Detainee complaints detail a legacy of neglect with major power outages and insufficient maintenance services. However, recent efforts by the Bureau of Prisons claim to have addressed these issues, stating they have implemented essential improvements.
The MDC currently holds notable figures like Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada Garcia from the Sinaloa cartel and alleged skilled criminals responsible for high-profile murders. Despite its infamous past associated with imprisonment of celebrities, including Sean "Diddy" Combs and R. Kelly, growth seems evident with the reduction of the inmate population, which may lead to further decreases in violence.
Yet, as Maduro enters this controversial facility, he may find familiarity among some of his fellow detainees, notably Hugo Carvajal, Venezuela’s ex-spy chief, who has expressed a willingness to cooperate with U.S. authorities.
The MDC Brooklyn still navigates its balance between infamous notoriety and recent efforts to improve security, particularly since media focus has heightened following pivotal events such as Jeffrey Epstein's suicide that sparked concern over the complex’s operational integrity.
