Maduro shares first images from U.S. detention facility

Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro posted two photographs taken at a detention centre in Brooklyn, New York, where he and his wife Cilia Flores have been held since their January abduction by U.S. special forces. The images, showing Maduro in a grey tracksuit making a peace sign, were posted on X and Telegram on Sunday and are dated June 25, the day after deadly earthquakes struck northern Venezuela.

Maduro wrote in Spanish that the photos were a "gift" for his grandchildren and supporters, adding that he and his wife remain "strong, calm and confident" and that "God is with us". He denied the drug-trafficking and firearm possession charges for which they are being held.

U.S. authorities have not immediately confirmed whether the photographs were authorized. A source close to Maduro said he has limited phone contact with family and lawyers, amounting to about 300 minutes per month. The federal trial for the couple is scheduled to begin on June 1, 2027.

The post appeared two days after interim President Delcy Rodríguez announced a historic oil agreement that permits U.S. companies to operate oil fields in Venezuela.