Ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are scheduled to make their first appearance in a U.S. federal courtroom on Monday following their capture during a U.S.-led operation in Caracas.
The couple is expected to appear before U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein at noon Eastern Time in Manhattan. Both are currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, according to federal authorities.
It remains unclear whether either Maduro or Flores has secured legal representation ahead of their arraignments. Maduro has consistently denied all allegations against him.
Sweeping Drug Conspiracy Charges
Maduro and Flores are among six defendants named in a superseding federal indictment that accuses them of conspiring with violent international drug traffickers over the past 25 years.
The indictment alleges that the network worked closely with dangerous criminal organizations involved in large-scale narcotics trafficking and corruption.
Also charged in the case are Maduro’s son, two senior Venezuelan government officials, and an alleged high-ranking figure within the Tren de Aragua criminal gang.
Trump Confirms U.S. Operation in Venezuela
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday that American forces had conducted what he described as a “large-scale strike against Venezuela,” resulting in the capture of Maduro and Flores.
According to Trump, the operation was carried out in coordination with U.S. law enforcement agencies and supported by the military. Members of Congress later stated that elite units, reportedly including Delta Force, were positioned to assist the mission.
U.S. to Temporarily Oversee Venezuela, Trump Says
Trump sparked international concern after stating that the United States would temporarily take control of Venezuela, despite campaigning on an “America First” platform and opposing prolonged foreign involvement.
Speaking at Mar-a-Lago, the president said Washington would oversee the country for an unspecified period, citing the absence of legitimate leadership.
Trump said a team made up of U.S. Cabinet officials and Venezuelan partners would manage the country during the transition.
“We’ll run it properly and professionally,” Trump said. “Major oil companies will invest billions, rebuild the economy, and the Venezuelan people will ultimately benefit the most.”
Venezuela Swears in Interim Leader Amid Tensions
Following Maduro’s removal, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela’s interim leader. The Venezuelan Supreme Court described Maduro’s capture as a “kidnapping” and demanded his return.
Rodríguez initially issued a strong rebuke of the United States, vowing to defend the nation against what she called American aggression.
Rodríguez Signals Willingness to Cooperate
On Sunday, Rodríguez appeared to soften her stance. In a statement posted on social media, she called on the U.S. government to pursue cooperation based on international law and shared development.
Trump later told reporters that the United States is currently “in charge” of Venezuela. When asked whether he had spoken with Rodríguez, the president said he had not, adding that discussions would happen “at the right time.”
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