Nicolás Maduro Seeks Dismissal of U.S. Narco-Terrorism Charges

Former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has asked a New York federal judge to dismiss criminal charges of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism. Maduro, who was seized by the U.S. military during a January 3 raid in Venezuela, argues that his status as the head of a sovereign country grants him immunity from prosecution in U.S. courts. His wife, Cilia Flores, filed a separate request for dismissal, claiming that this immunity extends to her as well.

Maduro's legal team points to a contradiction in U.S. policy, noting that Washington has resumed diplomatic relations with acting President Delcy Rodríguez. The defense argues that Rodríguez's authority is derived from elections the U.S. previously deemed illegitimate. This legal challenge occurs alongside a major oil agreement between the Trump administration and Venezuela, which grants the U.S. control over 65 billion barrels of crude.

U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein is scheduled to hear arguments on the motion in November. Maduro and Flores are currently held without bail in Brooklyn, with a trial date set for June 2027.