Politics

Nicolás Maduro will make his first court appearance in the U.S. today. The president of Venezuela was captured by U.S. forces early Saturday during a surprise military operation in Caracas. He is now waiting for trial in New York City on serious federal charges, which include conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine. This hearing is set for noon at the federal courthouse in Manhattan, with U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein presiding. Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, was also taken by U.S. troops and is facing similar federal charges, including cocaine importation conspiracy. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on social media that both Maduro and Flores “will soon face the full force of American justice on American soil in American courts.” The federal government charged Maduro with crimes in 2020 during President Trump’s first term, which he denied. On Saturday, Bondi shared the updated indictment against Maduro, Flores, and other Venezuelan officials. The Justice Department claims that Maduro and other leaders from Venezuela have used their government roles to help bring cocaine into the U.S. for over twenty years.