Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn after their capture and face cocaine conspiracy charges. MDC Brooklyn is a large federal lockup that has processed many high-profile defendants and has been criticized for violence, sanitation issues, and operational problems. Former wardens and consultants expect the couple will be kept in restrictive housing for safety while they undergo medical screening and legal visits. Their next court appearance is scheduled for March 17.
Maduro Held At MDC Brooklyn: Stark Contrast To Miraflores Palace As Security Concerns Mount
Notable names routinely pass through the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. (Leila Register / NBC News; Getty Images; @realDonaldTrump via Truth Social)
The ornate neoclassical facade of Venezuela's palm-lined Miraflores Palace — the seat of power Nicolás Maduro has occupied for more than a decade — stands in sharp contrast to the drab, warehouse-like Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn where Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are now being held. The couple were flown to New York following a high-profile U.S. operation and are expected to await trial on cocaine conspiracy charges at MDC Brooklyn.
What MDC Brooklyn Is Like
Often called MDC Brooklyn, the complex sits on the industrial waterfront in Sunset Park and holds more than 1,300 men and women detained on federal charges tied to New York courts. Opened in 1994, the sprawling facility processes people awaiting transfer, trial, or sentencing in the federal system.
High-Profile Detainees
The jail has housed many well-known defendants, underscoring its role in federal prosecutions: Juan Orlando Hernández, the former Honduran president; music executive Sean "Diddy" Combs; R. Kelly; Sam Bankman-Fried; Martin Shkreli; Ghislaine Maxwell; Michael Cohen; and others. Recent arrivals have included Luigi Mangione, charged in the 2024 killing of a corporate executive, and rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, who surrendered to serve a short sentence for violating supervised release.
Criticism, Incidents, And Conditions
MDC Brooklyn has faced sustained criticism from inmate advocates, defense teams, and some lawmakers. Complaints have ranged from extended lockdowns and inadequate medical care to poor sanitation and pest problems. The facility has also experienced high-profile operational problems: an electrical fire in January 2019 that knocked out power and left the jail in darkness and extreme cold for days, and the federal system's first inmate Covid-19 case in 2020.
Security incidents continue to draw scrutiny. In March, roughly two dozen inmates and detainees were charged across a dozen separate incidents involving violent assault and contraband smuggling, according to Justice Department filings. In 2024, nine inmates faced charges in cases alleging murder, attempted murder, or assault.
It's a tough environment. It's very stark and austere and is a far, far cry from anything luxurious, said Cameron Lindsay, a former MDC Brooklyn warden. Everything is dictated by policy, procedure and practice.
How High-Profile Detainees Are Managed
Former wardens and prison consultants say high-profile detainees are commonly held in restrictive housing, at least during initial intake, while undergoing medical evaluation and security screening. Officials typically assess gang affiliations, perceived threats, and whether the individual requires heightened protective measures.
Experts expect Maduro and Flores to be kept separated from the general population for security reasons. Female detainees are housed in a distinct section known as the East Building; authorities will decide whether Flores stays in a dormitory-style unit or in a single cell under more restrictive conditions.
Legal visits are permitted daily, and detainees may be taken out of their cells for attorney meetings or court transfers. Outside those interactions, officials often limit contact to minimize risks to both the detainee and the facility's population.
Legal Efforts And Public Scrutiny
Defense teams for past MDC Brooklyn detainees have cited the facility's conditions in court filings. In 2024, Sean Combs' lawyers argued the jail was unfit for pretrial detention while seeking bail. Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyers also complained about alleged mistreatment, including prolonged solitary confinement and unsanitary conditions.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons has a central role in determining housing and protective measures, but it did not immediately comment on the couple's detention. Given the geopolitical attention and the prominence of the detainee, former officials say the bureau will be under intense scrutiny to ensure adequate safety and comply with policy.
Next Steps
Maduro and Flores pleaded not guilty at an initial hearing in Manhattan and are scheduled to appear again on March 17. Until then, they are expected to remain in custody at MDC Brooklyn while legal teams prepare their defense and court logistics are arranged.
