NEW YORK:--- Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, made their first appearance in a U.S. federal court on Monday, following their dramatic capture by U.S. forces in Caracas over the weekend. The operation, dubbed “Operation Absolute Resolve,” was authorized by President Donald Trump and has sparked international controversy.
Charges and Court Appearance
Maduro, 66, and Flores, 69, face multiple charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. The couple appeared before U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein in the Southern District of New York. Both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Trump administration has labeled Maduro’s regime as “illegitimate,” citing rigged elections, including the disputed 2024 presidential election. Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez has assumed leadership in Caracas, though her position remains contentious.
Detention and Security
The couple is being held in solitary confinement at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, a facility notorious for housing high-profile inmates such as Mexican drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. Security around the detention center has been heightened, with heavily armed law enforcement patrolling the area.
International Reactions
The operation has drawn sharp criticism from several countries, including Russia and China, which have condemned the U.S. action as a violation of international law. The United Nations has also expressed concerns about the potential destabilization of the region.
Cuba, a long-time ally of Venezuela, mourned the loss of 32 Cuban citizens who were reportedly killed during the U.S. strikes in Caracas. Meanwhile, Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the U.S. intervention, emphasizing the importance of respecting national sovereignty.
What’s Next?
Maduro’s legal team is expected to challenge the legality of his arrest, arguing that he is immune from prosecution as a sovereign head of state. The case is likely to be a prolonged legal battle with significant geopolitical implications.
As the world watches, the situation in Venezuela remains tense. Acting President Rodríguez has called for cooperation with the U.S. while condemning the military operation as a violation of international law. Venezuelans, both at home and abroad, are grappling with the uncertainty of their country’s future.
