NEW YORK — On January 5, 2026, former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, made their first appearance in a Manhattan federal court after being removed from Venezuela by U.S. forces during a weekend military operation. Both were brought before U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein to face a federal indictment on charges including narco‑terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons charges.
Security and Arrival
Maduro, 63, and Flores were transported from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where they have been held since their arrest on January 3, 2026. Maduro was escorted under heavy guard, flown by helicopter across New York Harbor, and transferred into an armored vehicle before entering the Daniel Patrick Manhattan United States Courthouse for the arraignment.
Initial Appearance and Pleas
Before the judge, Maduro and Flores were formally informed of the charges. When asked for his plea, Maduro responded through an interpreter: “I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country.”
He also identified himself, stating: “I am the president of Venezuela. I was captured at my home in Caracas, Venezuela… I did not know of these rights. Your Honor is informing me of them now.”
Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty to all charges, asserting she had no involvement in the alleged criminal conduct.
Indictment Overview
The 25‑page indictment unsealed in Manhattan alleges that Maduro and co‑defendants conspired to traffic cocaine into the United States, engage in narco‑terrorism, and possess machine guns and destructive devices in furtherance of the drug conspiracy. Prosecutors also allege extensive involvement with criminal networks and misuse of state authority to facilitate these activities.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
The hearing was brief, lasting under an hour. After the plea, Judge Hellerstein ordered both defendants to remain in custody. The next scheduled court date is March 17, 2026, when proceedings will advance toward pretrial motions and scheduling.
Broader Context
Maduro’s appearance marks an unprecedented moment: the first time in decades that a sitting or deposed head of state has been arraigned in a U.S. federal court on narco‑terrorism and related charges. His legal team is expected to contest the legality of his arrest, including arguments about sovereign immunity, a defense historically unsuccessful in comparable cases.
