U.S. Captures Maduro and Wife in Venezuela Operation: Maduro Pleads Not Guilty
This operation follows a 2020 indictment from the Southern District of New York charging Maduro with leading the Cartel de Los Soles in drug trafficking conspiracies.
CARACAS — On January 3, U.S. forces conducted a large-scale strike in Venezuela, apprehending President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in coordination with law enforcement.
The White House described the action as targeting Maduro, who faces narco-terrorism charges. Maduro pleaded not guilty during his arraignment.
This operation follows a 2020 indictment from the Southern District of New York charging Maduro with leading the Cartel de Los Soles in drug trafficking conspiracies. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Maduro as head of a narco-terror organization indicted for pushing drugs into the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security extended Temporary Protected Status for eligible Venezuelan nationals arriving before July 31, 2023, for 18 months from April 3, 2025, to October 2, 2026, citing ongoing crises.
U.S. missions have not recognized Maduro as president due to sham elections, such as the July 28, 2024, vote. Sanctions targeted oil traders funding Maduro’s activities on December 31.
Ambassador Mike Waltz defended the capture at a United Nations Security Council briefing on January 5, citing Maduro’s role in narco-terrorism and refugee crises.
The Drug Enforcement Administration offered a 50 million dollar reward for Maduro’s arrest, increased in August of this year.
Legal Basis
The 2020 indictment from Manhattan U.S. Attorney charges Maduro with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.
Maduro allegedly partnered with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia to flood the United States with cocaine.
The Cartel de Los Soles, comprising Venezuelan officials, facilitated trafficking since 1999. Maduro usurped power in 2013 and declared victory in disputed elections. More than 50 countries, including the United States, refused to recognize him as head of state since 2019.
Maduro and his wife Flores appeared in Manhattan federal court on January 5 for arraignment. Maduro pleaded not guilty, stating he is innocent and still president of his country before the judge interrupted. Flores pleaded not guilty, asserting complete innocence.
The hearing lasted about 30 minutes, with both waiving speedy trial rights. Next court date is March 17 at 11 a.m. ET.
