First Images Show Nicolás Maduro and Wife in Manhattan Federal Court

First look at Maduro ahead of court appearance

Nicolas Maduro, the ousted Venezuelan president, appeared Monday at the Southern District of New York courthouse under heavy security, days after U.S. officials said he was captured during a U.S. military operation and removed from Venezuela. The court appearance offered the first public confirmation of his presence on U.S. soil.

Read more: Why the Hernández Pardon Doesn’t Save Nicolás Maduro

A Stark Courtroom Appearance

Photographs from the courthouse show Maduro dressed in a dark suit, flanked by U.S. marshals as he entered the courtroom. His expression appeared subdued and tense as he stood before the judge. Flores, seated nearby, wore a light-colored jacket and remained silent throughout the brief proceeding.

Both were closely guarded, underscoring the extraordinary security measures surrounding the case. The courtroom was packed with federal officials, legal teams, and a limited number of media representatives.

Maduro did not enter a plea during the initial appearance. The judge formally advised him of the charges, which include narco-terrorism conspiracy and large-scale drug trafficking offenses that carry potential life sentences under U.S. law.

Read more: Nicolás Maduro Could Face Death Penalty If Convicted on U.S. Drug Charges

Ousted President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela and his wife, Cilia Flores arrive at the Wall Street Heliport in New York City, January 5, 2026

Charges With Global Implications

U.S. prosecutors allege that Maduro led or protected a criminal enterprise that trafficked massive quantities of cocaine toward the United States while relying on armed groups and state power to maintain control. Flores has not been charged but remains a central figure in the case, given her long-standing political role and proximity to Maduro.

Legal experts say the images alone are powerful. Seeing a former head of state in a U.S. courtroom sends a signal not only about the seriousness of the case, but also about Washington’s willingness to pursue foreign leaders it accuses of major crimes.

Reactions and What Comes Next

Outside the courthouse, reactions were mixed. Some Venezuelan expatriates gathered nearby, calling the moment long overdue, while others warned that the case could deepen political divisions and tensions in the region.

The court scheduled further proceedings in the coming weeks, including detention hearings and motions from defense attorneys. Bail is considered highly unlikely due to the severity of the charges and Maduro’s international profile.

For now, the images from Manhattan stand as a defining snapshot: a once-powerful leader, long untouchable at home, now facing the full weight of the U.S. justice system — with the world watching closely.

Captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrives at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport

Maduro was escorted to Manhattan court on Monday

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro is escorted by U.S. Drug Enforcement Agents after arriving in New York City, January 3, 2026.