Court Appearance Marks First Legal Step After Capture On January 6, 2026, ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores entered a Manhattan federal courtroom, pleading not guilty to drug‑trafficking and weapons‑smuggling charges; Maduro told the judge he had been “kidnapped” in Caracas rather than lawfully arrested [1][2]. Their plea initiates a series of procedural hearings that will determine whether the U.S. can proceed with extradition and trial. Defense attorneys emphasized the lack of due process, while prosecutors prepared to present evidence gathered during the weekend operation.

Gunfire and Drone Activity Swirl Over Caracas After Capture Verified videos showed anti‑aircraft fire, drone lights and audible gunshots near the Miraflores presidential palace on the night of the capture, with residents reporting shots along Urdaneta Avenue [1][2]. Venezuela’s Ministry of Communication claimed police fired at unauthorized drones, while CNN could not confirm the exact source of the fire. The unrest highlighted the volatile security environment as rival security units and paramilitary groups appeared to clash before authorities declared the situation calm.

Delcy Rodríguez Sworn Acting President Amid U.S. Engagement Following Maduro’s removal, former foreign minister Delcy Rodríguez was inaugurated as acting president and pledged cooperation with U.S. authorities [1][2]. President Donald Trump publicly asserted he was “in charge” of Venezuela and warned of further action if Rodríguez ceased cooperation, intensifying debate over the legitimacy of U.S. dealings with a Maduro ally. International observers noted the rapid power shift and its implications for regional diplomacy.

U.S. Operation Details Spark Congressional Scrutiny Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disclosed that nearly 200 U.S. personnel were on the ground in Caracas during the weekend raid [2], yet members of Congress reported receiving no comprehensive legal justification for the mission and expressed uncertainty about potential troop deployments [1]. Lawmakers across parties questioned oversight, cost, and the duration of U.S. operational control, demanding clearer authority before any further military involvement.

Energy Secretary Plans to Re‑Engage Venezuelan Oil Sector Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced meetings with oil executives to discuss restoring U.S. investment in Venezuela’s oilfields, a move aimed at reviving the country’s crippled energy infrastructure [1]. Industry sources indicated companies were surprised by the capture and remain cautious about safety and financial risks, suggesting a long, costly path to resuming production.