Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is reportedly expected to appear before a US federal court on Monday following what has been described as a US-led military operation resulting in his detention, according to statements attributed to US officials.
A spokesperson for the US District Court for the Southern District of New York was quoted as saying Maduro faces multiple federal charges that could lead to formal indictment. The alleged action is described by the Trump administration as a law-enforcement operation tied to criminal cases filed in 2020, accusing Maduro of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking conspiracy.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, US President Donald Trump reportedly claimed that the United States would oversee a transitional period in Venezuela and seek to reopen the country’s oil industry. He also warned of potential further military action should Venezuela fail to cooperate with US anti-drug efforts, according to CBS News.
Following Maduro’s reported detention, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez is said to be scheduled to be sworn in as president in Caracas on Monday.
US prosecutors have previously accused Maduro of providing protection and logistical support to major criminal organizations, including Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel and Venezuela-based Tren de Aragua. The charges allege involvement in directing cocaine trafficking routes, safeguarding shipments, and using state facilities to facilitate drug transport. Additional accusations include possession of illegal weapons and destructive devices.
Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, is also named in the allegations, with prosecutors claiming she ordered murders and kidnappings linked to criminal networks.
Maduro has repeatedly denied all accusations, calling them politically motivated and rejecting US jurisdiction over Venezuelan affairs.
The Venezuelan government has not independently confirmed reports of Maduro’s detention, and the claims could not be immediately verified.
