The trial schedule was announced by U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein on July 22, 2026.
Maduro and Flores were arrested by U.S. forces on the night of January 3, 2026, during an operation in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital. They were subsequently transferred to New York to face prosecution.
During a court appearance in New York on July 22, Judge Hellerstein ordered that a pretrial conference for Maduro and Flores be held on November 17, 2026.
Maduro’s attorney, Barry Pollack, said he intends to seek dismissal of the case, arguing that his client is entitled to the legal immunity traditionally granted to heads of state.
The New York courtroom was packed with spectators, with many people reportedly waiting in line for hours to see Maduro. Court security officials repeatedly instructed attendees to remain quiet and avoid speaking to him.
Maduro and Flores entered the courtroom calmly, dressed in prison uniforms and wearing translation headsets. Maduro was not handcuffed and acknowledged those in the courtroom with a wave.
Before the hearing began, a court officer warned attendees that disrupting proceedings or attempting to communicate with Maduro could result in legal consequences.
Outside the courthouse, protesters demonstrated against the U.S. operation that led to Maduro’s arrest. One protester claimed the United States was seeking to dominate Venezuela, South America, and the Middle East.
Others, particularly members of the Venezuelan diaspora, supported the prosecution.
Wilmer Contreras, who has lived in the United States for nearly 30 years, said:
“Maduro is a criminal. He is part of the regime that completely destroyed my country.”
Contreras added that he fully supported the Donald Trump administration’s decision to arrest Maduro, saying many Venezuelans had long been waiting for such action.
After leaving the courtroom, Maduro briefly stopped, looked toward the crowd, waved goodbye, and was then escorted back to detention.
