Why Were Black Widow and Steve Rogers Not Arrested After Infinity War?

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the Sokovia Accords, introduced in Age of Ultron, set a new precedent for global superhero accountability. However, the events of Avengers: Infinity War and the immediate aftermath of the snap orchestrated by Thanos highlight some intriguing questions. Why weren't Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff) and Steve Rogers (Captain America) arrested for breaking the Sokovia Accords? Let's dive into the reasons behind their continued presence at Avengers Headquarters for 4 years.

State of Emergency

Following the snap, the world experienced devastation and chaos. The immediate threat posed by Thanos and the resulting chaos likely shifted the priorities of governments around the globe. The focus was on survival and recovery, rather than enforcing the rigorous standards of the Sokovia Accords. This shift in priorities created a window where Black Widow and Steve Rogers could operate without immediate legal repercussions.

Underground Operations

Both Black Widow and Steve Rogers operated as fugitives, conducting covert missions to combat threats and protect what remained of the Avengers. Their activities were driven by necessity and urgency, making it impossible for governments to pursue them aggressively during such a tumultuous period.

Public Perception

The public's perception of superheroes shifted dramatically after the snap. Many citizens viewed them as protectors rather than lawbreakers, especially given their roles in battling Thanos. This change in public opinion provided an additional layer of protection for these high-profile characters, shielding them from immediate legal action.

Lack of Enforcement

Even if the United Nations (UN) or other authorities wanted to enforce the Sokovia Accords, they might not have had the necessary resources or capability to track down and arrest high-profile individuals like Black Widow and Captain America. The chaotic aftermath of Thanos's snap created a complex legal and operational landscape that impeded enforcement efforts.

Plot Convenience

From a narrative perspective, the focus of the story shifted towards the battle against Thanos and the emotional aftermath of the snap. Legal repercussions were sidelined in favor of more pressing plot points that would engage the audience and further the central conflict. This strategic decision allowed for a richer and more compelling storyline.

While logical explanations exist for their lack of arrest, the narrative context and the profound changes in the world following the snap played a significant role in why Black Widow and Steve Rogers could remain at Avengers Headquarters without facing legal consequences.

The Wakandan Connection

Black Widow and Steve Rogers eventually claimed political asylum in Wakanda, under the protection of King T'Challa (Black Panther). This move raised some eyebrows, as Wakanda, a UN member in the MCU, seemed like a likely target for extradition by the UN.

The situation was more complicated than it appeared:

They were given sanctuary secretly, so the UN was unaware of their presence. This hidden sanctuary prevented any official demands for their return.

The UN, wary of Wakanda's advanced technology, was hesitant to push for their extradition. They were essentially blackmailed into maintaining a non-confrontational stance.

International law is complex, and a legal process involving UN lawyers and Wakandan lawyers (complete with Vibranium briefcases) may have been ongoing. These cases could have dragged on, preventing any definitive action.

Wakanda remained outside the United States, making it legally impossible to arrest them there.

Reports even suggest they were mobile, using Wakanda as a base while moving around frequently to avoid detection.

These factors combined provided Black Widow and Steve Rogers with significant legal and practical safeguards, allowing them to remain under the protection of Wakanda despite the Sokovia Accords.