Venezuela Frees U.S. Detainees and Dozens of Political Prisoners After Maduro’s Capture
Venezuela’s interim government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, has released at least four U.S. citizens and dozens of Venezuelan political prisoners just days after Nicolás Maduro was seized by U.S. special forces and flown to New York, a move the U.S. State Department hailed on January 13, 2026 as “an important step in the right direction.”
The releases come eleven days after a U.S. operation, code‑named Operation Absolute Resolve, captured Maduro in Caracas on January 3, 2026 and transferred him to New York to face narcoterrorism and related charges, fundamentally reshaping Venezuela’s political landscape. Following Maduro’s removal, the Venezuelan Supreme Tribunal of Justice designated Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, with the armed forces pledging loyalty to her administration amid calls for calm.
According to the Venezuelan human rights organization Foro Penal, at least 56 detainees have been confirmed released so far, including opposition activists and individuals long labeled as political prisoners by international watchdogs. Authorities in Caracas, however, claim that 116 people have been freed under what they describe as a broader “national reconciliation” measure, signaling a bid by the interim government to ease internal and external pressure.
U.S. officials say four American citizens are among those freed, ending lengthy detentions that had strained relations between Washington and Caracas and featured prominently in past negotiations. Diplomats and rights advocates report that the amnesty list also includes citizens of Spain and Italy, underscoring an effort to address European governments’ complaints over arbitrary detentions under Maduro’s rule.
In a formal statement issued, the U.S. State Department welcomed the prisoner releases as an “important step in the right direction,” while stressing that further actions are needed to restore democratic institutions, guarantee due process and ensure the release of all remaining political detainees. Analysts note that the move may help the Rodríguez government seek relief from sanctions and open a channel for negotiations with the United States and its allies, even as legal proceedings against Maduro advance in New York.
