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Ousted Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have released their first message from a United States prison, saying they remain “steadfast” and “serene” nearly three months after their dramatic capture by American forces.
The statement, published on Maduro’s X account on Saturday, offers rare insight into their condition amid mounting legal and diplomatic developments.
Maduro and Flores were seized in an extraordinary overnight raid in early January when US special forces struck their compound in Caracas. They were transported to New York and have since been held at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, a federal facility where high‑risk detainees are confined. Reports indicate they have had limited contact with the outside world, lacking access to the internet or newspapers.
“We are well, steadfast, serene and in constant prayer,” emphasising the emotional and spiritual support they say they have received. “Every word of love, every gesture of affection, every expression of support fills our souls and strengthens us spiritually,” they said, thanking supporters for letters, emails, and prayers.
According to sources close to the Venezuelan government, Maduro spends time reading the Bible in jail and is still referred to as “president” by some fellow inmates, despite his current circumstances. He is reportedly allowed only brief telephone calls with family and legal counsel, limited to 15 minutes per call.
The couple’s detention follows their indictment in a U.S. federal court on multiple charges, including “narco‑terrorism” conspiracy and cocaine importation conspiracy, to which Maduro has pleaded not guilty. The case has moved back into U.S. courts, where judges have debated legal procedures and the controversial question of how their defence will be funded.
Maduro’s son has publicly said that the former president remains calm and even exercises while incarcerated, calling attention to his resilience amid what he and supporters describe as an unjust detainment.
While Maduro maintains his innocence and self‑identifies as a “prisoner of war,” Venezuela is now led by Delcy Rodríguez, his former vice‑president.
Since the January operation, Rodríguez’s administration has sought to stabilise the country and implement reforms, including an amnesty for political prisoners and revisions to oil and mining policies.
