‘It’s a farce’: families of Venezuela political prisoners still await their release

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.

Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela's interior minister, faces an uncertain future despite remaining a powerful figure in the interim government led by Delcy Rodríguez. Accused by U.S. prosecutors of drug trafficking and linked to repression, Cabello also has a U.S. bounty on his head. He maintains influence through allies in security services, pro-government militias, and the military, even installing a cousin to head the secret police in 2024. Cabello's anti-imperialist stance and control over key institutions make him a challenge for Rodríguez, who needs to appease the U.S. government. His fate is intertwined with the future of Venezuela's ruling political movement.

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.

Donald Trump has engaged in a feud with Colombia's first left-wing president, Gustavo Petro, mirroring his past antagonism towards Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro. Trump has accused Petro of drug trafficking and threatened military action, similar to actions considered against Maduro. These actions have caused tensions between the two countries. Despite the heated rhetoric, Petro's election win in 2022 was legitimate, unlike Maduro's contested victory, and Petro faces no US federal indictments. The situation de-escalated after a phone call between Trump and Petro, with Trump inviting Petro to the White House. This call was characterized as a "good meeting" by the Colombian foreign ministry.

Following the removal of Nicolas Maduro by US forces in January 2026, many Venezuelans remain fearful of the government. Despite Maduro's absence, the repressive government apparatus largely remains in place under acting President Delcy Rodriguez. This has led to self-censorship and fear of public celebration, fueled by Rodriguez's history within the Maduro administration. Venezuelan police have already arrested individuals for celebrating Maduro's capture or criticizing him. These arrests are justified by a state of emergency decree, ordering security forces to detain anyone supporting the US action, further contributing to a climate of fear and uncertainty.

Following the seizure of Nicolás Maduro by the United States, Venezuelans are facing an uncertain future. Maduro and his wife were taken to the U.S. to face drug trafficking and weapons charges after an operation in Caracas that reportedly resulted in dozens of deaths, including Cuban security forces. While some Venezuelans are cautiously welcoming Maduro's removal, others, like Rosa Contreras, feel humiliated and are protesting his detention. Maduro's vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, has assumed interim power, and police are patrolling the streets, with reports of journalists being detained. The U.S. government has stated it will "run" Venezuela, but the specifics of this plan remain unclear, leaving many unsure of what will happen next.

Following Nicolás Maduro's capture in a US raid, Venezuela's opposition initially celebrated, anticipating a new democratic era under María Corina Machado. However, President Trump quickly dashed those hopes, stating Machado lacked sufficient "respect" and signaling support for Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez as interim leader. Trump conditioned his support on Rodríguez opening Venezuela's oil reserves to American companies. This decision has caused confusion and frustration within the Venezuelan opposition, who feel their leader has been sidelined. Analysts note the opposition is disappointed by Trump's decision not to back Machado or Edmundo González. Despite this setback, Machado publicly praised Trump's actions while remaining outside of Venezuela.

At a United Nations Security Council emergency meeting on January 5, 2026, the United States faced condemnation for its capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and military incursion into Venezuela. Even U.S. allies, like France, criticized the action as a violation of international law that undermines international order. U.N. Secretary General António Guterres stated the U.S. violated the U.N. charter, while Russia and China demanded Maduro's release and a halt to further U.S. military action. The U.S. ambassador defended the action as a law enforcement operation against a narcotics fugitive, arguing it made Latin America safer. This was the second recent Security Council meeting addressing U.S. actions regarding Venezuela that were deemed threats to world order.

Following deadly US strikes on Venezuela and the capture of its leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, the US faced strong international condemnation at a UN Security Council emergency meeting on Monday. Several countries, including Brazil, China, Russia, and Spain, denounced the US actions as a "crime of aggression." Despite Republican assurances that the US is not at war, Democratic Senate leadership cautioned about the potential for a new conflict. The situation has also led to the diversion of over 28,000 federal law enforcement personnel to ICE enforcement and removal operations. The article highlights the international fallout and domestic concerns surrounding the US involvement in Venezuela.

In January 2026, the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting in New York City to address the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife by US special forces. The US intended to bring the pair to face drug trafficking charges in a US federal court. Venezuela, Cuba, Russia, and China condemned the US operation as a violation of international law and an illegitimate armed attack. Even traditional US allies like Mexico and Denmark, who have been threatened by the US in the past, criticized the action. They warned that the abduction sets a dangerous precedent and violates national sovereignty, urging the council to act decisively.

According to Venezuelan officials, a U.S. military operation, "Operation Absolute Resolve," to capture President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, resulted in approximately 100 deaths. The operation, led by Delta Force, took place over the weekend. Venezuela's interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, reported Maduro sustained a leg injury and his wife, Cilia Flores, a head injury. Cuba claims 32 of its military personnel, who were in Venezuela at the request of the government, were also killed during the operation. A U.S. official stated that seven U.S. service members were injured, with five already returned to duty. Venezuela has declared a week of mourning for the deceased military members.

In January 2026, abducted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife are scheduled to appear in a New York court to face drug-related charges. U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted that the U.S. is in control of Venezuela and threatened further military action against the country. Trump also issued a threat against Colombian President Gustavo Petro and warned Mexico to improve its performance. The UN Security Council is expected to discuss the U.S. actions in Venezuela. These events follow a period of heightened tensions and ongoing disputes involving the U.S. and various Latin American nations.

Cuba announced that 32 of its citizens, including military and intelligence personnel, died in U.S. attacks in Venezuela on Sunday. President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated the deceased were members of Cuba's armed forces or interior ministry, fulfilling a mission requested by Venezuela. This announcement is a rare public acknowledgement of Cuba's involvement in Venezuela, where it has a longstanding alliance. Cuba has historically sent thousands of citizens, including teachers, doctors, intelligence agents, and security guards, to Venezuela in exchange for oil. The deaths occurred amidst increasing U.S. military pressure and Venezuela's reliance on Cuban personnel for security, with Venezuela reporting a preliminary death toll of 80 in the attacks.

In January 2026, the United States conducted a "large scale strike" against Venezuela, according to former US President Donald Trump. Trump claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and removed from the country. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated this marked a "new dawn" for Venezuela. Maduro's government condemned the action as military aggression. Colombian President Gustavo Petro alerted the world to the attack and reiterated the need for peace and respect for international law. US media outlets like Fox News and CBS News also reported on the strikes within Venezuela.