Cilia Flores, wife of Nicolas Maduro, faces health issues in US custody

Cilia Flores, the wife of ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, is suffering from a serious heart condition while held in a New York prison. Her stepson, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, reported that the 69-year-old, who turns 70 on October 15, requires medical intervention for heart valve prolapse. Flores has also developed hypertension since her January 3, 2026, arrest and suffers from asthma, which was recently exacerbated by exposure to pepper spray during a prison altercation involving other inmates.

Flores' legal team filed a request in September to transfer her to house arrest to facilitate proper medical treatment and post-operative recovery. However, the U.S. prosecution opposed the move, citing concerns regarding flight risk and public safety. Her family argues that the current living conditions, specifically the crowded environment shared with 40 other women, are inadequate for her recovery. The family hopes for a positive decision regarding her medical situation this week.