NEW YORK:--- Ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro appeared in a New York federal court today to face charges of drug trafficking and weapons conspiracy. His appearance follows a dramatic US military operation in Caracas over the weekend that resulted in his capture and has sent shockwaves through the international community.
Maduro, along with his wife Cilia Flores, was transported under heavy guard by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn to the Manhattan courthouse. He was seen in handcuffs, wearing a tan-colored uniform.
During the court proceedings, both Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores pleaded not guilty to all charges. Maduro asserted to the court that he remains the President of Venezuela, while his wife, Cilia Flores, maintained her position as the First Lady of the Republic of Venezuela. Flores also informed the judge that she sustained injuries during their capture and requested medical treatment. Maduro's next court date has been scheduled for March 17. He did not request bail, but the judge informed him that he could still submit a bail application at a later date. Maduro was also seen taking notes during the proceedings, which he asked the judge to keep.
The court proceedings mark a significant escalation in US foreign policy under President Donald Trump, who declared that the United States is now "in charge" of Venezuela. The administration is reportedly working to establish an interim government, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating the focus is on policy-setting and maintaining "leverage" over the nation's future. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has signaled a shift in tone, calling for "cooperation" with the US.
The operation has sparked varied reactions globally. Key Latin American leaders have condemned. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected the intervention, stating, "Intervention has never brought democracy." Colombian President Gustavo Petro warned he would "take up arms again" if the US were to target him or his country, following remarks from President Trump critical of Colombia's anti-drug efforts.
China and several European allies of the US have also condemned the action. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson called the seizure a violation of international law and demanded Maduro's immediate release. European nations, including Germany, France, and the UK, voiced their opposition to changing borders by force and expressed support for Denmark after President Trump renewed his calls for the US to acquire Greenland for strategic purposes. In contrast, Switzerland has moved to freeze any assets held by Maduro and his associates within its borders.
The developments have also impacted financial markets. Shares in Chevron, the last major US oil company operating in Venezuela, saw a significant jump in premarket trading. The rise followed President Trump's statements about making American investment in Venezuela's vast oil reserves a key objective. However, broader market reactions have been muted, with analysts pointing to ample global oil supply and significant uncertainties surrounding the situation.
The case against Maduro is being overseen by 92-year-old federal judge Alvin K. Hellerstein. Legal experts draw parallels to the 1990s case of Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega, who was also tried in the US on drug charges. Maduro's defense is expected to raise arguments of head-of-state immunity, a defense that was ultimately unsuccessful for Noriega.
As Venezuelans face an uncertain future, the streets of Caracas have remained largely quiet. Meanwhile, top Trump administration officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Attorney General Pam Bondi, are scheduled to brief a bipartisan group of US lawmakers on the Venezuela operation later today.
