A motorcade carrying ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, surrounded by US security personnel, was seen leaving the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn on Monday for a New York City courthouse.

According to international media outlet CNN, security outside the center has been tightened before his appearance in court on Monday. Police cars, black SUVs and special security forces escorted the motorcade as the Maduro couple were taken to court. According to the US Department of Justice, Maduro has been placed on a list of 'high-risk' suspects.

The arrest of Maduro, who has been in power in Venezuela for a long time, has brought a new wave to Latin American politics and international diplomacy. His trial is being closely watched by security analysts, diplomats and human rights activists around the world.

Maduro was taken into custody by the US military during a surprise military operation in Venezuela on Saturday. He was brought to New York after his arrest. US prosecutors have charged him with drug trafficking, illegal arms trafficking and criminal conspiracy related to weapons. Maduro has denied these allegations.