Venezuelan President Maduro Publishes Appeal from US Custody

Maduro thanks supporters and calls for national unity and reconciliation.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:20am

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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is currently in custody in the United States along with his wife Celia Flores, has published an appeal on social media thanking his supporters for their messages, letters, and prayers. Maduro stated that he and his wife are 'fine, firm, calm and in constant prayer' and called for strengthening peace, national unity and dialogue in Venezuela.

Why it matters

Maduro's public appeal from US custody is significant as it is his first such message in a long time. It comes amid his ongoing legal battle against drug trafficking charges in a US federal court, which has raised tensions between Venezuela and the US government.

The details

Maduro and his wife were captured and taken to New York on January 3, 2026, during a major operation. On March 27, the second court hearing was held on the drug trafficking charges against the Venezuelan leader. During the hearing, Maduro tried to convince the judge that the US government was interfering with his defense in the case.

  • Maduro and his wife were captured and taken to New York on January 3, 2026.
  • The second court hearing on the drug trafficking charges against Maduro was held on March 27, 2026.

The players

Nicolas Maduro

The current President of Venezuela, who is in custody in the United States facing drug trafficking charges.

Celia Flores

The wife of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is also in custody in the United States along with her husband.

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What they’re saying

“We have received your messages, letters and prayers. Every word of love and support strengthens us spiritually. We are fine, firm, calm and in constant prayer.”

— Nicolas Maduro, President of Venezuela

The takeaway

Maduro's public appeal from US custody is a significant development in the ongoing political and legal tensions between Venezuela and the United States. It highlights the precarious situation the Venezuelan leader finds himself in and the importance of maintaining support from his domestic base.