Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan federal court two days after U.S. forces say they captured him at his Caracas home, insisting he remains Venezuela's president and calling his detention a kidnapping. His wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty; both were ordered held and will return to court on March 17. The raid—reported by U.S. officials to have involved nearly 200 personnel and significant air and naval support—has intensified political uncertainty as Delcy Rodríguez is sworn in as interim president and Havana reports 32 Cuban deaths.
Maduro Pleads Not Guilty in Manhattan, Insists He Remains Venezuela's President After U.S. Raid
Deposed Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro will face a judge in this New York federal courthouse (Leonardo Munoz)(Leonardo Munoz/AFP/AFP)
Ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro appeared before a Manhattan federal court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and related charges, two days after U.S. forces say they captured him during an operation at his Caracas residence.
Court Appearance
Maduro, 63, entered the courtroom smiling and dressed in an orange shirt and beige trousers. Speaking in Spanish through an interpreter, he told the judge:
"I'm innocent. I'm not guilty. I'm president of the Republic of Venezuela and I'm here kidnapped since January 3. I was captured at my home in Caracas."
His wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty. A judge ordered both to remain in custody and scheduled the next hearing for March 17.
The Raid And Political Fallout
U.S. officials say the operation involved nearly 200 personnel and was supported by airstrikes, warplanes and a heavy naval deployment. Venezuelan authorities say the presidential couple were forcibly removed from their home. Cuban officials in Havana reported that 32 Cuban nationals were killed in the attack; U.S. officials reported some injuries but said there were no U.S. fatalities.
In Caracas, thousands of Maduro supporters marched as Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's former vice president, was sworn in as interim president. Opposition leader María Corina Machado, speaking from an undisclosed location, condemned Rodríguez and said she plans to return to Venezuela soon after having left the country last month.
International Reaction And Stakes
The raid and Maduro's detention have deepened uncertainty in a country that holds the world's largest proven oil reserves and has endured years of political and economic turmoil. U.S. political leaders expressed differing views: some signaled a willingness to work with Venezuela's interim authorities under U.S. conditions for the oil sector, while others emphasized the need for a rapid return to democratic processes.
Analysts warned the situation could worsen before it improves, and raised concerns about legal and geopolitical implications. The International Crisis Group said aspects of the operation raise questions about international law and potential violations of domestic legal norms.
What Comes Next
The case is now pending in federal court, and the March 17 hearing will determine next steps in the U.S. judicial process. Meanwhile, Venezuela faces immediate political uncertainty as factions maneuver for control and international actors monitor developments closely.
