Nicolas Maduro Shares First Photos from US Detention

Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has released two photographs from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, where he has been held since January 3. The images, dated June 25, show Maduro wearing a grey tracksuit and making peace or victory signs with his hands. Observers noted that he appears to have lost considerable weight since his capture. The photos were accompanied by a religious message addressed to his family and supporters, stating that he remains strong and confident that Venezuela will rise again.

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured in Caracas by US forces and are awaiting trial on charges including drug trafficking and narcotics terrorism. A federal court has set the trial date for June 2027. While Maduro does not have direct internet access, sources indicate he uses his monthly allowance of 300 minutes of phone calls with lawyers and family to facilitate updates. The release of these images follows a recent oil agreement signed by interim President Delcy Rodriguez, which allows the United States to operate oil fields in Venezuela.

Reporting on the event varied by political framing. Center lean outlets described Maduro as a deposed dictator. Center left lean outlets characterized his capture as an abduction.