Maduro, 63, and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been held in a Brooklyn jail for nearly three months after U.S. commandos seized them from their residence in Caracas in early January.
Ousted Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro is set to appear in a New York court on Thursday for the second time since his capture by U.S. forces during a dramatic overnight raid.
Maduro, 63, and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been held in a Brooklyn jail for nearly three months after U.S. commandos seized them from their residence in Caracas in early January.
The operation removed Maduro from power after more than a decade in office and has since pushed Venezuela to largely align with the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Maduro has described himself as a “prisoner of war” and has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and weapons-related offenses.
Thursday’s hearing, scheduled for 11:00 a.m. (1500 GMT), is expected to focus on his legal team’s attempt to have the case dismissed, as disputes continue over who will cover his legal fees.
The Venezuelan government wants to pay for his defense, but U.S. sanctions mean his lawyer, Barry Pollack, requires a special license that has not been granted.
Pollack argues this restriction violates Maduro’s constitutional right to legal representation and is seeking dismissal of the case.
Maduro is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, a federal facility known for poor conditions, where he is reportedly kept in isolation without access to the internet or newspapers.
According to a source close to the Venezuelan government, he spends time reading the Bible and is referred to as “president” by some fellow detainees. He is allowed limited phone contact with family and lawyers.
His son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, said his father remains strong, telling him: “We are fine, we are fighters.”
Maduro and his wife were captured in the early hours of January 3 during U.S. airstrikes on Caracas, supported by warplanes and a significant naval presence.
Dozens were killed and more than 100 injured in the operation, according to Venezuelan officials.
At his first U.S. court appearance in January, Maduro struck a defiant tone, insisting he was still Venezuela’s president despite his detention.
The country is now led by Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice president, who is navigating a severe economic crisis while implementing reforms and engaging with U.S. demands.
Recently, the U.S. State Department signaled a thaw in relations by moving to restore diplomatic ties with Venezuela.
Security is expected to be tight around the New York courthouse for Thursday’s hearing, which will be overseen by veteran federal judge Alvin Hellerstein, known for handling several high-profile cases.
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