Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty to narco-terrorism charges in a Manhattan federal court on Monday, January 5, according to multiple reports.

During the proceeding, Maduro maintained his innocence and challenged the legitimacy of his detention.

"I am the president of my country," Maduro told the judge. "I was forcibly brought here."

The appearance follows an operation last Saturday in which U.S. forces reportedly entered Venezuela to take Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, into custody before transporting them to New York.

According to Al Jazeera, Flores also appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to drug-related charges.

Presiding Judge Alvin Hellerstein read the formal allegations against Maduro before asking for a plea. Maduro responded, "I am innocent. I have not committed any of the acts alleged here."

Defense attorneys for Maduro indicated that their client is not seeking bail at this time, though they reserved the right to file a motion for release in the future.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 17.