These exiled Venezuelans dream of returning home. What’s stopping them?

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.

In February 2026, Caracas, Venezuela, became the focal point of a "Free Maduro" campaign, featuring graffiti and billboards across the city. A video report by Anatoly Kurmanaev examines the prevalence of this messaging, which is also prominent on Delcy Rodríguez's social media. The report suggests the campaign serves a dual purpose for Rodríguez. It allows her to maintain connections to Nicolás Maduro while simultaneously attempting a political rebranding. The campaign's strategic placement and visibility raise questions about its role in Venezuelan politics and Rodríguez's future ambitions. The video report was produced by Kurmanaev, Melanie Bencosme, Leila Medina, and Stephanie Swart.

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.

In Venezuela, interim leader Delcy Rodríguez is rapidly liberalizing the economy following the removal of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces in January 2026. She is redirecting oil exports to the U.S., injecting funds into the banking system, and rewriting laws to attract foreign investment. These actions have stabilized the currency, spurred economic growth forecasts, and attracted foreign investors. While promising economic transparency, Rodríguez has not dismantled the existing repressive state apparatus, with security forces maintaining a visible presence and monitoring citizens. The economic changes have created optimism, but concerns remain about the lack of political reform under her leadership.

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced a proposed amnesty law on January 31, 2026, that could release hundreds of prisoners. The law aims to address political violence from 1999 to the present, promoting justice and coexistence. Rodriguez stated the National Assembly will urgently consider the bill. She also announced the closure of El Helicoide, a notorious prison in Caracas known for human rights abuses, which will be converted into a community center. The announcement follows the US military's abduction of President Nicolas Maduro earlier in January. According to Foro Penal, over 700 people are currently detained in Venezuela for political activities.

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.

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, 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.

A leading Venezuelan human rights group, Foro Penal, reports that at least 80 political prisoners have been released in Venezuela, allegedly due to pressure from the US following the detention of President Nicolás Maduro on drug-trafficking charges. The releases occurred on Saturday from prisons across the country, with Foro Penal verifying identities and anticipating more releases. Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez claims over 600 prisoners have been freed, a figure disputed by Foro Penal, which has only confirmed 156 releases since January 8th. Many of those released remain in legal limbo with charges not dropped and restrictions on public speaking. Rodriguez is scheduled to speak with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to verify release lists, while human rights groups accuse the government of using detentions to silence critics, a claim the Venezuelan government denies.

At least 80 political prisoners in Venezuela were released on Sunday, according to Foro Penal, a leading Venezuelan rights group. The releases occurred in prisons across the country, with more expected. This follows a statement from Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, who claimed 626 people have been released from prison, though Foro Penal has only confirmed 156 releases since January 8. Rodriguez plans to ask the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to verify the lists of those released. Separately, a tanker chartered by Trafigura departed Venezuela for the US, marking the first direct cargo shipment under a recent 50-million-barrel supply deal between Caracas and Washington.

Venezuelan authorities released at least 104 political prisoners on Sunday, January 26, 2026, according to the Caracas-based rights group Foro Penal. Among those freed were lawyer Kennedy Tejeda, imprisoned in 2024 after visiting clients, and communications student Juan Francisco Alvarado. The releases follow acting President Delcy Rodriguez's promise to free prisoners detained under Nicolas Maduro, who was abducted by US special forces earlier in January. Rodriguez stated the move marks a "new political moment" allowing for greater diversity, following a crackdown on dissent after Maduro's refusal to concede the 2024 election. Foro Penal is verifying additional releases, and the total number of freed prisoners may increase.

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 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.

Prior to and following the U.S. operation targeting Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela, the Trump administration had been in communication with Diosdado Cabello, a key Maduro ally and Venezuela's Interior Minister. These discussions, which began early in Trump's presidency, involved warnings against Cabello using security forces to target the opposition. Cabello was also named in the same U.S. drug-trafficking indictment as Maduro, but was not apprehended. The communications are considered critical to the U.S.'s efforts to maintain control in Venezuela and prevent chaos that could threaten the interim president. The extent of the discussions and whether Cabello has heeded the warnings remain unclear.

Following the ousting of Nicolás Maduro and the installation of Delcy Rodríguez as interim leader in Venezuela, there are hints of political amnesty. Rodríguez's government announced the release of an "important number" of political prisoners, further fueled by President Trump's statement about a large-scale release. However, the actual number of prisoners released has been significantly lower than expected. As of Monday, the government claimed 116 releases, while rights groups have only confirmed 41 since Maduro's removal. The slow pace has led to uncertainty regarding Rodríguez's intentions and her control over security agencies, leaving approximately 800 political prisoners still detained. The situation has created a mix of hope and frustration among Venezuelans.

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.

On Thursday, January 12, 2026, US President Donald Trump will meet with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the White House. This meeting comes after the US abducted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier in January. Machado, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025, has had limited involvement in US discussions about Venezuela's future, with Trump expressing doubts about her leadership potential. Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro's former vice president, is currently serving as interim president under pressure from the US. Prior to the meeting, Machado met with Pope Leo XIV to discuss the situation in Venezuela and advocate for the release of political prisoners.

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.

Following the US seizure of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela announced the release of an unspecified "important number" of detainees, framed as a gesture to promote peace. The move comes amid estimates that Venezuela holds 800-1,000 political prisoners, largely from protests after the disputed 2024 election. Spain confirmed the release of five Spanish nationals, including Rocío San Miguel, a dual national human rights defender detained in February. Prior to this announcement, it was estimated over 40 foreign nationals were detained in Venezuela, including around 20 Spaniards and five US citizens. The announcement is being met with caution, as previous promises of releases were not fully realized.

Venezuela's government announced on Thursday the release of an unspecified but "important number" of political prisoners, both Venezuelan and foreign nationals. This marks the first conciliatory gesture by the new administration following the ouster of President Nicolás Maduro. The decision, according to National Assembly head Jorge Rodríguez, aims to reinforce peace and coexistence within the country. While prisoners' rights groups estimate that hundreds remain incarcerated, this announcement offers a glimmer of hope amid ongoing detentions. Human rights organizations have expressed cautious optimism, calling for the release of all political prisoners as a step towards restoring democracy, while noting that similar releases have occurred in the past without leading to lasting change.

Following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela released a "large number" of political prisoners, including opposition candidate Enrique Marquez and several foreign nationals, on January 9, 2026. The releases occurred after Maduro's former deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, became interim leader with the backing of U.S. President Donald Trump. The move is seen as a concession to the U.S., which seeks access to Venezuela's oil reserves. While the exact number and identities of those released were not immediately disclosed, rights groups estimate over 800 political prisoners remain in Venezuelan jails. The White House credited Trump's leverage for securing the prisoners' freedom.

El Helicoide, located in Caracas, Venezuela, was originally conceived as a drive-through shopping mall in the 1950s. However, it became a notorious prison and symbol of state repression under Nicolás Maduro's authoritarian rule. Human rights groups have described it as a "torture center" where political prisoners were held. In January 2026, Venezuela's interim authorities began releasing political prisoners from El Helicoide and other jails, following Maduro's capture by U.S. troops. While the releases signal a potential shift under the new government, the future of El Helicoide remains uncertain, as authorities have not announced its closure.

The Venezuelan government has begun releasing political prisoners, including Spanish nationals and prominent activist Rocío San Miguel, as a goodwill gesture. This action follows the US seizure of President Nicolás Maduro to face drug trafficking charges in New York. Jorge Rodríguez, head of the National Assembly, announced the release of a "significant number" of prisoners in the interest of national unity. While the exact number of released prisoners remains unclear, hundreds are still detained. Human rights organizations have cautiously welcomed the news. The interim government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, appears more cooperative with the US since Maduro's capture, with plans to close the notorious El Helicoide prison where many political opponents were held.

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.