Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro shared images on social media Sunday, marking his first public communication from the Brooklyn, New York, jail where he has been held since his capture by U.S. forces. In the photographs, which show him wearing a gray tracksuit and making peace signs with his hands, Maduro appears to have lost weight since his detention began.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were apprehended in Caracas during a U.S. military operation in January. Both are currently awaiting trial on charges of drug trafficking and firearms possession, allegations they have consistently denied. Addressing his followers on the Telegram messaging service, Maduro stated, "I am sending these photos as a small gift to all my grandchildren, to the boys and girls, and to all the good people who love us." He further emphasized his resilience, writing, "I want you to know that we are standing firm, with our hearts full of your love."
While the photographs were released on Sunday, metadata indicates they were captured on June 25, just one day after a pair of deadly earthquakes struck northern Venezuela, resulting in more than 6,500 deaths and widespread destruction. Despite his current circumstances, Maduro concluded his message with a hopeful outlook, claiming, "We will remain strong, calm and confident: God is with us. God will provide. Venezuela will rise again."
According to a source close to the former leader, Maduro lacks access to newspapers and the internet while in custody. He is permitted to speak with his family and legal team by phone for a total of 300 minutes per month, with individual calls limited to 15 minutes. His son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, has reported that his father is in good physical condition and occupies his time by studying the Bible.
The legal proceedings against the couple are scheduled to commence in a New York federal court on June 1, 2027. Both have entered pleas of not guilty. If convicted of conspiring to transport thousands of tons of cocaine into the United States in collusion with Venezuelan law enforcement, they face the possibility of life imprisonment. During his January arraignment, Maduro maintained his innocence, declaring, "I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the constitutional president of my country."
The release of these photos occurred two days after interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced a significant oil agreement with the United States. This deal allows the U.S. to operate oil fields within Venezuela, with the U.S. government securing a 55% control of the joint venture. Former President Donald Trump commented on the development via Truth Social, stating his intent to use Venezuelan oil to replenish the Strategic National Reserves. Meanwhile, Rodriguez has defended the agreement, citing a commitment to diplomacy as she seeks to transform Venezuela into an energy powerhouse under significant pressure from Washington.
Quiero que sepan que estamos firmes, con el corazón lleno del amor de ustedes, ese amor que nos llega convertido en oración, en acción permanente, en solidaridad y en apoyo verdadero. Gracias infinitas por cada palabra, por cada gesto, por cada bendición. pic.twitter.com/8YstzkBakf
Quiero que sepan que estamos firmes, con el corazón lleno del amor de ustedes, ese amor que nos llega convertido en oración, en acción permanente, en solidaridad y en apoyo verdadero. Gracias infinitas por cada palabra, por cada gesto, por cada bendición. pic.twitter.com/8YstzkBakf— Nicolás Maduro (@NicolasMaduro) August 30, 2026
