U.S. 'seizes Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro's jet' in the Dominican Republic

The U.S. has seized and brought Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's airplane to Florida.

Multiple federal agencies involved in the seizure determined that acquisition of Maduro's aircraft was in violation of U.S. sanctions, two U.S. officials disclosed to CNN.

The plane, described by officials as Venezuela's Air Force One, was seized in the Dominican Republic and brought to the U.S. on Monday and marks the latest escalation with Maduro's regime.

'This sends a message all the way up to the top,' one of the officials described to CNN.

'Seizing the foreign head of state's plane is unheard-of for criminal matters,' they added. 'We're sending a clear message here that no one is above the law, no one is above the reach of US sanctions.' 

Maduro's plane is estimated to cost approximately $13 million and has been pictured during his state visits around the world.

It was not disclosed as to the exact reason why it was taken, but U.S. officials determined the aircraft's presence in the Dominican Republic in recent months presented the opportunity for seizure.

Agencies involved in seizing the plane include Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Justice and Commerce agents within the Bureau of Industry and Security.

The Dominican Republic notified Venezuela of the seizures, one U.S. official described.

Now, after the aircraft landed in the U.S., the Venezuelan government has a chance to pursue forfeiture and petition for the plane.

The seizure comes after the controversial reelection of Maduro on July 28.

The U.S. placed pressure on the Central American country to 'immediately' release election data over concerns of the credibility of Maduro's victory.

After he was reelected last month, Venezuela suspended commercial flights to and from the Dominican Republic.

The U.S. already restarted sanctions against Venezuela's oil and gas sector for the Maduro regime blocking 'an inclusive and competitive election'.