On July 22, 2026, U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein scheduled the trial of ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, to begin on June 1, 2027. The couple, aged 63 and 69 respectively, appeared in Manhattan federal court wearing prison attire to face charges related to drug trafficking and, in the case of Maduro, terrorism. The proceedings follow a January 3, 2026, nighttime raid on their residence in Caracas, executed by U.S. Special Forces under an order from President Donald Trump.

Maduro and Flores have pleaded not guilty to allegations that they utilized their state positions to facilitate cocaine shipments. While the defense previously struggled with funding due to international sanctions, the U.S. government has now authorized Venezuela to cover their legal expenses. Defense counsel has announced intentions to seek a dismissal of the case, asserting that Maduro holds immunity as a head of state. Judge Hellerstein has established a deadline of September 2, 2026, for initial legal motions to dismiss, with a subsequent hearing for these arguments set for November 17, 2026.