Capture of Maduro and Cilia Flores in Caracas The United States seized deposed Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores during a Saturday‑night raid on a Caracas military base, then flew them to New York later that day [1][2][3]. Video released by U.S. agents shows the couple escorted by federal personnel, confirming the dramatic arrest. Venezuelan officials, including Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López, denounced the operation as an illegal kidnapping and demanded their immediate release [1][2].

Indictment Accuses Couple of Narco‑Terrorism and Cocaine Trafficking The Justice Department unsealed a four‑count indictment alleging Maduro and Flores led a corrupt regime that funneled thousands of tons of cocaine into the United States, financing weapons purchases and violent networks [3][1][2]. Charges include narco‑terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and firearms‑related offenses, expanding on a 2020 filing that previously targeted only Maduro [3]. The indictment paints the administration as illegitimate and drug‑fueled, linking profits to senior officials and family members [1][2].

Upcoming Manhattan Court Appearance and Expected Detention Maduro is scheduled to appear before a Manhattan federal judge on Monday, the first step in a U.S. criminal proceeding [1][2][3]. Authorities have indicated he will be held in a Brooklyn federal detention facility pending trial [3]. His legal team plans to argue sovereign immunity, asserting that as a former head of state he cannot be prosecuted by a foreign court [1][2].

Legal and Diplomatic Controversies Surround the Operation The raid, ordered by former President Trump, raises constitutional questions because it lacked explicit congressional authorization, prompting expert criticism of its legality [1]. The U.S. has not recognized Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader, a stance that underpins the sovereign‑immunity challenge [2]. Venezuela’s leadership continues to label the capture an imperialist act and vows to maintain internal order despite the foreign intervention [1][2].