State Department warns US citizens to leave Venezuela

The U.S. is considering reopening its embassy in Venezuela, according to a senior State Department official.

“As President Trump said, we are making preparations to allow for a reopening should the president make that decision," the official said.

The embassy has been closed since March 2019, when the State Department withdrew all diplomatic personnel in Caracas.

-ABC News' Mariam Khan

Nicolas Maduro’s son gave an impassioned speech tp Venezuelan lawmakers on Monday.

"If we normalize the kidnapping of a head of state, no country is safe," Nicolas Maduro Guerra said in Spanish.

Maduro Guerra, who is a member of Venezuela's National Assembly, said Venezuela isn't fighting for its land or its rights, but for its well-being and the well-being of the entire human existence.

In a message to Maduro, he said, "Your country is in good hands, father, and soon we'll hug in Venezuela."

Maduro Guerra was met with applause and multiple standing ovations during his almost 30-minute speech.

He is among those charged in a superseding indictment unsealed on Saturday that accused his father of allowing "cocaine-fueled corruption to flourish for his own benefit, the benefit of members of his ruling regime, and for the benefit of his family members."

-ABC News' Ellie Kaufman

During their arraignment in Manhattan federal court, Nicolas Maduro and his wife both pleaded not guilty.

“I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country," Maduro said through an interpreter when the judge asked for his plea.

His wife, Cilia Flores, responded similarly, saying, "Not guilty. Completely innocent."

While confirming his identity at the start of the hearing, Maduro declared through an interpreter, "I am the president of Venezuela."

"I was captured at my home in Caracas, Venezuela," he added, before the judge interrupted and told him there would be time later to challenge his custody.

Neither Maduro nor Flores are seeking bail. The judge said he is open to receiving a bail application in the future but the couple will otherwise remain detained at MDC-Brooklyn.

Flores' attorney said she "sustained significant injuries" during the military operation and requested a medical briefing.

"There’s worry she may have a fracture or severe bruising on her ribs," her attorney, Mark Donnelly, said.

They are next due in court on March 17.

-ABC News' Aaron Katersky

The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, speaking to the United Nations Security Council on Monday regarding the U.S. strikes on Venezuela and capture of its president, said the U.S. is "not occupying a country."

"This was a law enforcement operation in furtherance of lawful indictments that have existed for decades," Waltz said. "The United States arrested a narco-trafficker who is now going to stand trial in the United States in accordance with the rule of law for the crimes he's committed against our people for 15 years."

Waltz also said the U.S. would not "allow the western hemisphere to be used as a base of operation for our nation's adversaries and competitors and rivals of the United States.”

The U.S. ambassador to the UN also said that President Donald Trump offered Nicolas Maduro "multiple off-ramps" and "gave diplomacy a chance."

"He tried to deescalate. Maduro refused to take them," he said. "President Trump made it clear that the narco-terrorism must stop, and yet it continued. The United States will not waver in our actions to protect Americans from the scourge of narco-terrorism and seeks peace, liberty and justice for the great people of Venezuela."

The UN Security Council meeting is ongoing.

-ABC News' Mike Pappano and Brianna Sanchez