Thousands march in Venezuela to demand US free President Maduro, wife

On February 4, 2026, thousands of Venezuelans marched in Caracas to demand the release of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were allegedly abducted by US forces on January 3. The demonstration, organized by the Venezuelan government, featured Maduro's son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, who condemned the US action as a desecration of Venezuelan soil. Protesters carried signs and wore shirts calling for the couple's return from US detention. According to local media, the march was part of a global day of action, with solidarity protests occurring worldwide under slogans such as "Bring them back" and "Hands off Venezuela." The demonstrators are demanding that the US government free the Venezuelan president and his wife.

In February 2026, US envoy Laura Dogu arrived in Caracas to reopen the US diplomatic mission in Venezuela, seven years after relations were severed. This follows the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces in January 2026, an action widely criticized as a violation of international law. Dogu, appointed charge d’affaires to the Venezuela Affairs Unit, will engage in talks with Venezuelan officials to create a roadmap for bilateral interests and address existing differences. Venezuela broke off diplomatic relations with the US in 2019 after then-President Trump supported Juan Guaido as interim president. A Maduro loyalist stated that reopening the embassy would allow the Venezuelan government to oversee the treatment of the deposed president.

Venezuelan rights activist Javier Tarazona, head of the NGO Fundaredes, was released from El Helicoide prison in Caracas on Sunday after being detained since July 2021. His release is part of a larger effort by the Venezuelan government, under pressure from the US, to release political prisoners. Since January 8th, over 300 political prisoners have been freed. The government plans to introduce an amnesty law to benefit hundreds more and close El Helicoide. Tarazona was arrested after alleging government officials had links with Colombian guerrillas, leading to charges of treason, terrorism, and incitement to hatred. While Fundaredes welcomes Tarazona's release, they emphasize the injustice he suffered.

Venezuelan human rights activist Javier Tarazona was released from the Helicoide detention center in Caracas on February 1, 2026, after being imprisoned for over four years. Tarazona, director of FundaRedes, was arrested in July 2021 and charged with "terrorism" and conspiracy for his work tracking alleged abuses by Colombian armed groups and the Venezuelan military. His release was part of a larger prisoner release program, with Foro Penal verifying over 300 political prisoners freed since January 8. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced a proposed "amnesty law" and plans to transform the Helicoide prison. While the government claims over 600 prisoners have been released, they have not provided a clear timeline or official list.

Following the removal of Nicolas Maduro from power in January 2026 by the US, many exiled Venezuelans are hesitant to return home. Despite Maduro's absence, the existing government and its repressive elements remain in place. Many Venezuelans, like political consultant Luis Peche who fled to Colombia in 2025, fear potential violence and persecution if they return. The US has recognized Maduro's former vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, as interim leader, but gangs that suppressed dissent continue to operate. While Maduro is gone, the underlying conditions that forced many Venezuelans into exile persist, causing them to delay their return.

Following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the U.S. military in early January 2026, Venezuelan military and police forces have pledged their allegiance to interim President Delcy Rodriguez. The loyalty pledge occurred at a ceremony in Caracas, where Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello declared their support for Rodriguez. Padrino stated the pledge was necessary after the U.S. operation that resulted in the deaths of dozens, including Venezuelan soldiers and Cuban security personnel. Rodriguez, formerly Maduro's vice president, has promised a "new political moment" and has released political prisoners. Despite threats from U.S. President Trump regarding further intervention and control of Venezuela's oil reserves, Rodriguez maintains that no foreign entity governs Venezuela.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado believes a democratic transition in Venezuela would dramatically transform the country and the region, comparing its significance to the fall of the Berlin Wall. In an interview, Machado stated that a free Venezuela would eliminate communism, dictatorship, and narco-terrorism from the Americas. She intends to return to Venezuela to push for this transition following the ousting of Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Delcy Rodríguez, a Maduro ally, is currently leading a U.S.-backed transition as interim president. Machado expressed concerns about Rodríguez's leadership, arguing that genuine change requires a complete break from the previous government to establish rule of law, trust, and stability.

On January 30, 2026, Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced a proposed amnesty bill that could potentially lead to the release of hundreds of political prisoners. The amnesty could affect opposition leaders, journalists, and human rights activists currently detained. The announcement prompted celebrations from activists and relatives of those imprisoned. Family members of detainees protested and held vigils in Caracas and Guatire, calling for the release of their loved ones. The bill's purpose is to address concerns regarding individuals imprisoned for political reasons within Venezuela.

U.S. Ambassador Laura Dogu arrived in Caracas on Saturday to reopen the American diplomatic mission in Venezuela, which had been closed for seven years. The reopening follows a military action ordered by the U.S. President Donald Trump that removed Nicolás Maduro from office almost a month prior. Venezuela and the United States severed diplomatic ties in February 2019 after Trump supported Juan Guaidó's claim to be interim president. Venezuelan officials stated the embassy's reopening would allow oversight of Maduro, who is jailed in the U.S., and that Dogu's arrival is part of a plan to resolve differences through diplomatic dialogue. The arrival occurred a day after Venezuela's interim president announced an amnesty bill to release political prisoners.

In January 2026, US President Donald Trump announced the reopening of Venezuelan commercial airspace, signaling significant US control over the country. Trump stated that he informed interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez of upcoming visits from US oil companies seeking projects. He assured the safety of American citizens traveling to Venezuela, citing strong US control. This decision follows a US military attack on Venezuela earlier in the month, which resulted in the abduction of former President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. American Airlines plans to resume flights pending US administration approval and secure conditions, after the US suspended commercial flights to Venezuela in 2019. The US has used the threat of further military action to align Venezuela with its priorities.

Following the U.S. capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife on narco-terrorism charges, all known American detainees in Venezuela have been released, as confirmed by the U.S. Embassy on Friday. The releases have occurred gradually since Maduro's capture. While the interim government reported releasing 116 prisoners earlier this month, a non-governmental organization has only verified about 70. The U.S. State Department has a limited number of personnel in Caracas working to resume diplomatic relations, but advises against travel to Venezuela due to the fluid security situation. Venezuela is currently led by acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who recently signed a law overhauling the oil sector and opening it to privatization. President Trump stated that American energy companies will invest $100 billion to rebuild Venezuela's oil infrastructure.

In January 2026, Venezuela announced a major overhaul of its petroleum sector, easing state control and allowing private firms to invest. This decision follows earlier indications from the US, under President Trump, expressing interest in Venezuela's substantial oil reserves. The new law, signed by Venezuela's interim president, potentially opens the door for US oil companies to return to the country with significant investments. The changes raise questions about the potential benefits for both Venezuela and the United States. Experts are debating who will gain the most from this shift in policy.

In January 2026, Venezuelan lawmakers approved legislation to ease state control of the oil industry. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez signed the oil industry overhaul to attract private and foreign investment. The reform bill was backed by workers of Venezuela's state-owned PDVSA oil company. The goal of the legislation is to open the nation's oil sector to privatization. In related news, President Trump announced the U.S. will open Venezuela's commercial airspace, allowing Americans to visit.

Venezuela's legislature passed a bill on Thursday opening its oil industry to private investment, relaxing decades of state control. The reforms to the hydrocarbons bill aim to attract foreign capital by making the royalties regime more flexible, as the industry struggles under years of US sanctions. Simultaneously, the US Treasury Department began easing sanctions on Venezuelan oil, expanding the ability of US energy companies to operate in the country. These actions by both governments signal a significant geopolitical and economic shift in Venezuela, potentially allowing the US to control Venezuelan oil sales. The moves follow demands made by the US after the removal of Nicolas Maduro from power.

A senior US official announced that Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, will visit the United States, marking a significant shift in relations between the two countries. This would be the first visit by a sitting Venezuelan president in over 25 years, excluding UN meetings in New York. Rodriguez stated she approaches dialogue with the US "without fear," aiming to address differences and difficulties through diplomacy. The invitation signals a change in US-Venezuela relations following the removal of Nicolas Maduro by US Delta Force operatives on narcotrafficking charges. The visit indicates a willingness from the US to engage with Venezuela's new leadership.

In January 2026, divisions are emerging among Venezuelans following the U.S. invasion and capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The interim government, comprised of Maduro's inner circle, is now collaborating with the United States, a stark contrast to the anti-American stance of former President Hugo Chávez. This shift has disillusioned some staunch "Chavistas" who believe Venezuela should cut off oil sales to the U.S. to pressure Maduro's return. Initial anti-American protests have diminished as the government promotes the new alliance. The interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, is attempting to balance anti-American rhetoric with the reality of the new relationship with Washington.

Venezuela's top lawmaker, Jorge Rodriguez, announced on Tuesday, January 14, 2026, that over 400 prisoners have been released. This statement contradicts claims from local rights groups, who estimate the number of freed prisoners to be between 60 and 70 in recent days. Rodriguez stated that the releases were a peace gesture following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces on January 3. While Rodriguez claims none of those released were political prisoners, rights groups, international bodies, and opposition figures have long called for the release of political prisoners in Venezuela. Human rights groups estimate that there are still hundreds of political prisoners in Venezuela.

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the continuation of releasing prisoners detained under former President Nicolás Maduro, framing it as a "new political moment." This follows the release of at least four U.S. citizens after Maduro's ousting. Rodríguez stated the release process is ongoing, aiming for political and ideological diversity, while claiming 212 detainees have already been freed, though human rights groups estimate lower figures. She attributed the releases to Maduro's prior efforts to foster understanding, not U.S. pressure. Decisions on future releases will be based on evaluations of crimes related to constitutional order, coordinated by Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. President Trump confirmed a recent conversation with Rodríguez, their first since Maduro's capture.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado stated in Washington on Friday that Venezuela is beginning a transition to democracy and will achieve freedom with support from the U.S. and Donald Trump. Machado's party alleges that Nicolas Maduro stole the 2024 election, a claim supported by Washington and the international community. However, despite Machado's appeal, Trump has chosen to support former Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez as interim leader, prioritizing U.S. access to Venezuela's oil reserves. Trump believes Machado lacks sufficient support among Venezuelans. Machado maintains that this transition will significantly impact Venezuelans, the region, and the world.

In January 2026, acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez, formerly Maduro's vice president, spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump, the first call since Nicolas Maduro's abduction by U.S. forces. Rodriguez pledged to continue releasing prisoners detained under Maduro's presidency, describing the call as productive and focused on a bilateral agenda. Trump praised Rodriguez and expressed optimism about a U.S.-Venezuela partnership concerning oil, minerals, trade, and national security. This follows the abduction of Maduro and his wife by the U.S. military on January 3rd and a cancelled second wave of attacks after Venezuela released prisoners as a sign of seeking peace with Washington. Rodriguez stated Venezuela is entering a "new political moment" with the release of detainees ongoing.

Venezuela has begun releasing detained American citizens, a move the US State Department calls "an important step." This is the first release of Americans since Nicolás Maduro's removal in January following a US military operation. The UN reports Venezuela has released about 50 prisoners out of an estimated 800 political prisoners. The interim government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, announced the releases as a "goodwill gesture." Donald Trump claimed the releases were happening "in a BIG WAY" and cited it as the reason for cancelling further airstrikes. However, critics like Ramón Guanipa argue the releases are insufficient and urge caution until all political prisoners are freed, accusing the government of using detentions to silence dissent, particularly after the disputed 2024 election.

In January 2026, Venezuela's interim government released several imprisoned U.S. citizens, marking the first such releases since the U.S. military captured former President Nicolás Maduro. The State Department welcomed the move as a step in the right direction, with at least three Americans freed as of Tuesday night, including one from a Caracas prison. Rights groups estimate that hundreds of political prisoners remain incarcerated in Venezuela, and the interim government has promised to release a significant number of detainees. While some political prisoners from Italy and Spain have also been released, Foro Penal, a leading human rights organization, has denounced the slow pace of releases. Under Maduro, the Venezuelan government often used international prisoners as bargaining chips in negotiations.

The Venezuelan government announced a planned release of a significant number of political prisoners, raising hopes for many families. However, officials have provided no specifics regarding who will be freed or when the releases will occur. Hundreds of families across Venezuela are anxiously awaiting news, with some even traveling to prisons in anticipation. The announcement follows a long period of systemic repression and imprisonment of individuals considered political prisoners. One specific case involves Nélida Sánchez, who was lured into custody by secret police and has been held for over 16 months in El Helicoide, a prison known for torture. Despite the government's announcement, families remain in limbo, awaiting the promised releases.

Following the abduction of Nicolas Maduro by the United States on January 3, 2026, Venezuela has released at least 116 prisoners arrested during his presidency for allegedly disrupting constitutional order. The Ministry of Penitentiary Services announced the releases, which began on Thursday, January 9, 2026, after pressure from US President Donald Trump. Among those released were two Italian citizens, prompting Italy to pledge improved relations with Venezuela. Human rights groups, who estimate that hundreds of political prisoners remain in Venezuela, have long called for these releases. While the government claims over 100 releases, Foro Penal, a human rights organization, reports a lower number of 41. Maduro is currently imprisoned in New York, facing drug-trafficking charges.

In January 2026, the Norwegian Nobel Institute clarified that Nobel Prizes cannot be transferred after María Corina Machado, Venezuela's opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner, offered hers to former U.S. President Donald Trump. Machado intended to give Trump the prize as gratitude from the Venezuelan people for his role in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Trump, who has long desired the award, expressed interest in accepting it. However, the Nobel Institute stated that once a prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred, and the decision is final. Trump also stated that he would not support Machado leading Venezuela.

Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the US, under Donald Trump, will reportedly receive up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, with the possibility of continued supply and eased sanctions to allow indefinite sales. Trump aims to control the revenue, selling up to $3 billion worth of Venezuelan crude into the global market, potentially driving down oil prices. Global oil prices initially fell on Wednesday in response to the news. This move could disrupt Venezuela's oil exports to China, which currently receives 80% of its crude, potentially increasing tensions between the US and China, who criticized the action as a violation of international law. Trump stated that the US Energy Secretary will oversee the deal, ensuring the oil is directly transported to US ports.

In January 2026, the US announced its intention to indefinitely control Venezuelan oil. This decision gives the US authority over the country's oil wealth and the ability to dictate how profits are spent. In response, Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, stated that any oil partnerships with the US must ultimately benefit the Venezuelan people. The announcement and subsequent response highlight ongoing tensions regarding control and distribution of Venezuela's oil resources. The location of the oil fields and refineries were not mentioned in the article. The reasons behind the US decision were also not stated.

President Trump met with oil executives in Washington on Friday to encourage investment in Venezuela, following the recent seizure of Nicolás Maduro. Trump has suggested investments of at least $100 billion, but no immediate commitments were made. ExxonMobil's CEO stated that Venezuela is currently "un-investable" due to past asset seizures and instability. While executives acknowledged Venezuela's potential due to its vast oil reserves, they emphasized the need for significant changes within the country and a welcoming environment from the government and its people. Trump acknowledged past issues, like the nationalization of assets, but said his administration would work to strike a "deal" with companies to revive the industry.

In January 2026, US President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of a second wave of attacks on Venezuela, citing "cooperation" from the South American nation, including the release of political prisoners. This follows a US military operation to abduct President Nicolas Maduro. Trump stated the US and Venezuela are collaborating to rebuild Venezuela's oil and gas infrastructure. He also indicated that Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado would visit Washington. Trump mentioned a planned White House meeting with oil executives, anticipating at least $100 billion in investment in Venezuela's oil industry. While ships will remain in place for security, Trump stated the second wave of attacks "will not be needed."