Federal Arraignment of Nicolás Maduro
The Arraignment of Nicolás Maduro is the formal legal proceeding in which the captured Venezuelan leader will be officially notified of the criminal charges against him by the Federal Government of the United States.
Detention Facility: MDC Brooklyn
Following his landing at Stewart Air National Guard Base on January 3, 2026, Maduro was transported to the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) Brooklyn.
- Security Protocols: Maduro is being held in the "10-South" wing or a similar high-security unit, completely isolated from the general population.
- U.S. Marshals Oversight: The facility is under 24-hour lockdown with an increased presence of the U.S. Marshals Special Operations Group.
The Arraignment Process (Expected Jan 5, 2026)
The initial hearing will take place at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse in lower Manhattan.
- Reading of Rights: A federal magistrate judge will ensure Maduro understands his constitutional rights.
- Presentation of Charges: The unsealed indictment, unsealed by AG Pam Bondi, includes counts of Narco-Terrorism, Cocaine Importation, and Weapons Charges.
- Plea Entry: Maduro is expected to enter a plea of "Not Guilty" through his legal counsel.
- Detention Hearing: Prosecutors are expected to argue that Maduro is a "maximum flight risk" and must be remanded without bail.
Expected Defense Strategy
Legal experts suggest Maduro's defense team may argue:
- Immunity: That as a (formerly) sitting head of state, he possesses sovereign immunity from U.S. prosecution.
- Illegality of Capture: That his removal from Venezuela was an "illegal abduction" rather than a lawful arrest.