Photos Reveal Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in U.S. Custody

Nicolás Maduro, the ousted President of Venezuela, has appeared in photos shared on his social media on Sunday. These images mark the first occasion of him being seen inside a New York prison following his apprehension by U.S. forces in January. He has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn for eight months, facing charges related to drug trafficking.

The photos, posted to Maduro’s X account, showcase him in a gray sweatsuit and white sneakers, looking noticeably slimmer as he posed against a plain wall. Maduro expressed that these photos were shared as a token of hope for his family and supporters. He assured them of his resilience and belief in Venezuela’s revival.

“I send these photos as a small gift to all my grandsons and granddaughters, to the boys and girls, and to all the noble people who love us,” wrote Maduro. “We stand firm, our hearts full of love reaching us as prayer, action, solidarity, and true support. Endless gratitude for every word, gesture, and blessing.”

He further encouraged viewers to enjoy the photos with joy and hope, mentioning his wife, Cilia, who also faces charges related to drug trafficking.

The images were reportedly taken in June, the day after two earthquakes claimed over 6,500 lives in northern Venezuela, according to The Associated Press. The release of these photos coincides with a significant development between the U.S. and Venezuela, where Venezuela agreed to give the U.S. control over 65 billion barrels of its oil reserves. This deal impacts the U.S. oil market amid rising prices from ongoing conflict with Iran.

Former President Donald Trump remarked on this development, emphasizing the potential of this oil access to reduce gas prices. Maduro’s capture involved a U.S. military operation in Caracas in January.

A report from El País reveals that Maduro spends much of his detention reading the Bible. His son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, shared that the former leader is granted around 8.5 hours monthly to speak with outsiders.

Maduro and his wife are anticipated to stand trial in New York by June 2027. They have both pleaded not guilty, with potential life sentences pending a jury verdict on drug conspiracy charges.

Bonny Chu, a writer for Fox News Digital, contributed information regarding Maduro’s situation.