On Thursday, U.S. Federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein, overseeing the case against Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores in the Southern District of New York, decided to seal Flores' medical records. This action followed a supplementary request from her defense to safeguard this sensitive information.
The decision was prompted by a house arrest petition filed on Wednesday at the Manhattan federal court, which included Flores' personal medical records "unsealed and unredacted," as acknowledged by the judge in his ruling.
Judge Hellerstein cited privacy concerns as the basis for his order, stating, "Courts in this circuit routinely allow the filing of medical records under seal, acknowledging the parties' significant interest in the privacy of their medical information."
The judge concluded that "Flores' interest in maintaining the privacy of her personal medical history outweighs the public's presumption of access concerning this request."
With this ruling, the health issues cited by the defense to justify the change in her detention conditions remain outside public scrutiny.
Health Concerns and Legal Strategy
Flores, aged 69, has been reported by her defense to suffer from severe cardiac issues. These include chest pain, arrhythmias, tachycardia, shortness of breath, and dizziness, which they argue cannot be adequately addressed at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center, where she is currently held.
Reports had previously indicated that a stress test in April was halted due to chest pain and shortness of breath. External specialists consulted by her defense suggested the possibility of a mild heart attack, although this has not been officially confirmed.
Her lawyers have also noted a significant weight loss of over 24 pounds during her confinement.
Conditions Proposed for House Arrest
In an effort to secure her release from prison, the defense proposed stringent conditions: 24/7 armed surveillance by Guidepost Solutions, GPS tracking, video surveillance, restricted visitation, call recording, and surrender of all travel documents, including her passport.
Flores herself would bear the expenses for her transfer and security arrangements.
Background on the Arrest
Flores was apprehended in Caracas alongside Maduro on January 3, 2026, by U.S. forces and brought to New York. They both face charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy to the U.S., possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess weapons of war.
Their defense teams have moved to dismiss the case, invoking sovereign immunity, arguing that Maduro was the head of state at the time of their arrest, and Flores should share this immunity as his spouse.
The house arrest request is the latest step in a strategy pursued by her defense since March 2026, when attorney Mark Donnelly informed Judge Hellerstein of a mitral valve prolapse, obtaining permission for an electrocardiogram.
The trial is scheduled for June 1, 2027, with a hearing on the motions for dismissal based on sovereign immunity set for November 17, 2026.
Cilia Flores' Legal Proceedings and Health Concerns
Why did Judge Hellerstein seal Cilia Flores' medical records?
Judge Hellerstein sealed the records to protect Flores' privacy, acknowledging that the interest in keeping her medical information private outweighs the public's right to access it.
What health issues has Cilia Flores been reported to have?
Flores is reported to suffer from severe cardiac issues, including chest pain, arrhythmias, tachycardia, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
What are the proposed conditions for Cilia Flores' house arrest?
The defense proposed 24-hour armed surveillance, GPS tracking, video monitoring, restricted visitation, call recording, and surrender of travel documents.
What charges are Cilia Flores and Nicolás Maduro facing?
They face charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy to the U.S., possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess weapons of war.