A United States federal judge has officially set a trial date for former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Judge Alvin Hellerstein scheduled the proceedings to begin on June 1, 2027, in New York, where the couple will face trial on charges of drug trafficking.
The couple has been held in custody since early January, following an operation in which US forces entered Venezuela and seized them from their residence in Caracas. Former President Donald Trump previously described the middle-of-the-night raid as a "surgical law enforcement operation" related to a criminal case that was originally brought against the pair six years ago. Maduro has consistently maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, labeling his capture a kidnapping and referring to himself as a prisoner of war.
During a 15-minute hearing on Wednesday, both defendants sat separately at a defense table surrounded by their legal team. While they did not speak during the session, Maduro was observed waving to an individual in the courtroom gallery as authorities escorted him out. Judge Hellerstein also set a hearing for November 17 to review defense motions. These motions are expected to include a challenge regarding the legality of the couple's capture and their subsequent transfer to the United States.
Barry Pollack, representing Maduro, confirmed that the trial schedule was accepted by all parties. "The parties all agree that this is a realistic schedule. We don't think it's going to slip, but obviously if anything comes up we will inform your honor," Pollack stated during the hearing. The defense team has indicated plans to challenge the indictment on the grounds of sovereign immunity, arguing that a successful motion could negate the need to continue litigating the case.
US prosecutors have accused Maduro of utilizing the power of the Venezuelan state to facilitate and protect illegal drug smuggling, including allegations of forming alliances with cartels to transport tons of cocaine into the United States. If convicted, both Maduro and Flores face the possibility of life imprisonment. Since Maduro's removal from power, Venezuela has been led by former Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, whose administration has moved to reestablish bilateral relationships with the US. This shift has included the easing of sanctions on the Venezuelan oil industry and the expansion of oil and gas projects by foreign companies.
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Rodriguez reestablished bilateral relationships with the US, with Washington effectively taking over control of Venezuela's oil exports.
