Old Videos, Fake Images Go Viral After Maduro Taken Into Custody

Misleading and AI-generated images spread rapidly on social media following the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, fueling confusion and false claims online.

CBS News said altered photos, recycled videos, and fabricated visuals appeared within hours of President Donald Trump announcing the operation.

AI-generated images, old videos and altered photos proliferated on social media in the hours following former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's capture. Several of these images quickly went viral, fueling false information online. https://t.co/JUNCzuJy6q

— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 5, 2026

CBS News confirmed several viral images were likely generated or edited using AI tools, including a widely shared photo promoted by Florida Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago and major conservative social media accounts.

Other visuals, including videos claiming to show Maduro’s transfer to U.S. custody, were posted well before verified reporting confirmed his arrival in Brooklyn.

The report also found old footage from 2024 and 2025 being recirculated as breaking news. Experts advised users to verify sources, dates, and locations before trusting viral images. Social media companies have yet to comment on enforcement of their AI and misinformation policies.

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