Maduro ally Alex Saab faces federal charges and deportation to the U.S. for allegedly orchestrating a sweeping money laundering and bribery scheme.

The secretary's look prompted a debate over if he was trolling or simply dressed down to travel.

Alex Saab made his initial court appearance after being deported over the weekend by acting President Delcy Rodríguez as part of a purge of insider businessmen who are believed to have enriched themselves through corrupt dealings with Maduro.

Colombian businessman Alex Saab, described as Maduro's "bag man," was reportedly deported and could become a star witness against his former president.

Venezuela is deporting American journalist Jorge Ramos who says he was detained for more than two hours at the presidential palace. He was interviewing President Nicolás Maduro at the time. Violent and deadly protests continue over U.