Fox News Warns Americans in Venezuela After U.S. Strikes; Embassy Urges Shelter-in-Place

A Fox News correspondent and U.S. diplomats have warned Americans remaining in Venezuela that conditions there have become increasingly dangerous after U.S. military strikes around Caracas and a subsequent high-profile operation.

Fire is seen at Venezuela's largest military complex after the U.S. launched a military attack on the country. / STR/AFP via Getty Images

Chief International Correspondent Steve Harrigan told The Ingraham Report that the situation in Venezuela is deteriorating and that the Venezuelan government has broad powers to detain people. "This is a government that can do what it wants on the ground," Harrigan said, adding that the "noose is getting tighter" around travel, trade and the economy.

Fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Loud explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2:00 am (0600 GMT) on January 3, an AFP journalist reported. The explosions come as US President Donald Trump, who has deployed a navy task force to the Caribbean, raised the possibility of ground strikes against Venezuela. / Luis Jaimes/AFP via Getty

U.S. Embassy Advisory

The U.S. Embassy issued an advisory urging American citizens in Venezuela to shelter in place following deadly strikes near Caracas. The embassy, which suspended operations in Venezuela in 2019, reiterated that it has "no ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela." It had previously warned in December of a "high risk of wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure," and advised U.S. citizens to depart the country.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured Saturday morning following a U.S. military operation in Caracas. / JUAN BARRETO / Juan Barreto/AFP via Getty Images

Travel Disruptions and Safety Concerns

Harrigan described Venezuela as "a very risky place," noting that commercial air service and shipping have been sharply reduced. The Federal Aviation Administration barred U.S. aircraft from entering Venezuelan airspace after the military action, complicating plans for U.S. citizens to leave quickly.

Detentions and the Maduro Operation

Several Americans were detained in the period leading up to the operation against President Nicolás Maduro. U.S. officials told The New York Times that two of five known detainees may have been wrongfully held. The U.S. government has previously accused Maduro's regime of detaining U.S. citizens as leverage.

U.S. forces carried out an operation in Caracas early Saturday. Former President Donald Trump announced the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, soon after. According to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Maduro was flown out of Venezuela to face charges in the United States that include narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons-related offenses. Bondi also said the operation was conducted without prior notification to Congress.

The Maduro government condemned the action as a "flagrant violation" of the U.N. Charter and accused the United States of attempting to seize Venezuela's strategic resources, including oil and minerals. The statement vowed that "they will not succeed."

What This Means for Americans in Venezuela

Americans in Venezuela should follow the embassy advisory to shelter in place, avoid travel, and monitor official channels for updates. With limited embassy support, restricted flights and reduced maritime traffic, exiting the country could be difficult and slow. Travelers and residents should remain vigilant, maintain contact with family and legal representatives, and seek local counsel if detained.