Maduro and Flores Ask U.S. Judge to Dismiss Drug Charges on Immunity Grounds

Former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, filed separate motions asking U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein to dismiss federal drug-trafficking charges. Both argue that their claimed status as Venezuela’s head of state and first lady entitles them to sovereign immunity; Maduro also asserts conduct-based immunity for alleged official acts. Both have pleaded not guilty. Oral argument is scheduled for November 17, while trial is set for June 1, 2027 if the motions fail. The pair have been held in Brooklyn since U.S. forces seized them from their Caracas home on January 3.