Former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by US forces during a military operation in Caracas on January 3, 2026. They were subsequently arraigned in a US federal court in New York on January 5, 2026, where both pleaded not guilty to charges including narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and weapons possession. The indictment alleges that Maduro and his associates exploited their governmental roles over decades to facilitate drug trafficking, partnering with violent organizations like FARC and the Sinaloa Cartel for profit. At the core of the ongoing legal battle is Maduro's defiant claim of head-of-state immunity under international law, arguing he remains Venezuela's legitimate president. However, the United States rejects this defense, stating it has not recognized Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate leader since the disputed 2018 election, and US courts typically defer to the executive branch on such recognition. His defense team is also challenging the legality of his capture, calling it a "military abduction" that may violate international law. Legal experts widely compare this case to the 1989 capture and prosecution of Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega, who unsuccessfully invoked head-of-state immunity. Most analysts anticipate US prosecutors will prevail, as alleged crimes like drug trafficking are unlikely to be considered official duties, thus not protected by immunity. Furthermore, US courts have a precedent of allowing prosecutions even if the defendant's presence was obtained through unlawful abduction. In Venezuela, Maduro's Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, has been sworn in as interim president, while Switzerland has frozen Maduro's assets. This high-profile case is poised to test the boundaries of US jurisdiction and international legal principles concerning national sovereignty and diplomatic immunity.