Ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, made their initial appearance Monday in Manhattan federal court following their capture by U.S. forces during a military operation in Caracas.

Appearing before U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, Maduro declared, “I am innocent,” and told the court that he remains “the president of my country.” His attorney indicated that the defense may argue Maduro is entitled to immunity from prosecution as the head of a sovereign state.

“There are serious issues regarding the legality of his military abduction,” said defense attorney Barry Pollack.

Maduro and Flores, who are being held at Metropolitan Detention Center Brooklyn, appeared in court shortly after noon. Maduro was brought into the courtroom in shackles and orange jail slippers and was seated several feet from Flores, who appeared alongside her attorney, Mark Donnelly.

As he entered the courtroom, Maduro greeted those present with “Buenos días.” Both defendants wore headphones to listen to a court-appointed interpreter during the proceedings.

After taking his seat next to Pollack, Maduro began writing on a notepad while Flores remained seated beside her counsel. Maduro later stood before the judge as the hearing proceeded.

The court did not rule on any substantive motions during the brief appearance, and further proceedings are expected as the case moves forward.