Overview
- Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who were captured on Jan. 3 and have been held in a Brooklyn federal facility, published a Pentecost message Sunday calling for faith, reconciliation and national unity.
- U.S. prosecutors in the Southern District of New York have charged the couple with narcotics, weapons and related conspiracies and both have pleaded not guilty in court.
- If the schedule holds, the next Southern District of New York hearing is set for June 30 as defense and prosecution prepare routine pretrial proceedings.
- Federal prosecutors in Miami are conducting a separate, developing investigation into alleged money‑laundering and financial crimes tied to businessman Alex Saab that could expand legal exposure.
- The message comes as U.S. embassy evacuation drills and Comando Sur overflights have provoked pro‑Chavista protests in Caracas, and reports that the January operation caused heavy casualties remain limited to a single source.