Maduro Sends a Message of Peace and Love in First Photos Since US Capture

Nicolás Maduro has appeared in photographs that seem to have been taken inside a US detention center, smiling in a gray tracksuit, white Nike sneakers and glasses while making peace signs.

The former Venezuelan president posted the images on X and described them as “a small gift” for his “grandsons and granddaughters, boys and girls, and all of the noble people that love us.” He added, “I want you to know that we are standing firm, with a heart full of your love,” and thanked supporters for their words, gestures and blessings.

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A small gift

Camera data attached to the photographs indicated they were taken on June 25, a day after two devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela. The quakes killed more than 6,500 people, according to figures released by Jorge Rodríguez, president of Venezuela’s National Assembly. ABC confirmed that artificial intelligence did not create the images, but could not independently verify where or when they were taken.

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I want you to know that we are standing firm, with a heart full of your love

It is unclear who photographed Maduro or how the images left the US facility. US authorities accuse Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, of facilitating drug trafficking and firearms offenses harmful to the United States. Both deny the allegations. The pair were captured during a US military operation in January and taken to detention in Brooklyn, New York.

Maduro’s message followed an announcement by interim President Delcy Rodríguez of what she called a historic oil agreement allowing the United States to operate Venezuelan oil fields. Rodríguez says she chose diplomacy with Washington because she wants Venezuela to become an energy powerhouse. Maduro reportedly cannot access newspapers or the internet in detention, but can speak with family and lawyers by telephone. His son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, said he is in good shape and spends his time studying the Bible.

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Chosen the path of diplomacy