All known U.S. citizens detained in Venezuela have been released, the U.S. Embassy announced Friday, and Americans are urged to report any remaining detainees to American Citizen Services. The releases came in the weeks after U.S. forces captured former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who are reportedly in New York on federal narco-terrorism charges. The interim government says 116 prisoners were freed this month, though independent verification stands at about 70. The U.S. has advised citizens not to travel to Venezuela and urged those there to leave immediately amid a fluid security situation.
All Known U.S. Detainees Freed in Venezuela After Maduro's Capture, U.S. Embassy Says
Venezuelans burn a U.S. flag after the announcement of the U.S. attacks and the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The U.S. government on Friday said all known Americans being detained in the country had been released.(Getty Images)
The U.S. Embassy announced Friday evening that interim Venezuelan authorities have released all known American citizens detained in the country.
"We are pleased to confirm the release by the interim authorities of all known U.S. citizens held in Venezuela," the embassy wrote on X. "Should you have information regarding any other U.S. citizens still detained, please contact American Citizen Services."
Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores parade in a military vehicle during celebrations for Independence Day in Caracas July 5, 2025.
No additional details about the identities or circumstances of the released detainees were provided. U.S. officials and independent monitors continue to verify reports as the situation in Venezuela evolves rapidly.
Background
The releases follow the weeks after U.S. forces took custody of former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife; both are now reportedly being held in New York City on federal narco-terrorism charges. In recent weeks, interim Venezuelan authorities have been gradually freeing prisoners amid a broader political transition.
The State Department told Fox News a "limited number" of people are working on the ground in Venezuela.
Earlier this month, the interim government said it had released 116 prisoners. That figure has not been fully corroborated: the NGO Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón has independently verified roughly 70 releases, according to Bloomberg.
Safety Advisory
The U.S. government has issued a travel alert advising U.S. citizens not to travel to Venezuela and urging Americans currently in the country to depart immediately. The advisory cautioned that "the security situation in Venezuela remains fluid," and the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá reiterated longstanding warnings against travel to Venezuela.
Political And Economic Moves
Venezuela is being governed by acting President Delcy Rodríguez, a former deputy of Maduro’s, who has taken a more confrontational stance toward Washington in recent days. Rodríguez this week signed legislation to overhaul the nation’s oil sector, including measures that open parts of the industry to private investment — a significant policy shift after more than two decades of state-centered control.
On Jan. 10, former President Donald Trump said U.S. energy companies would invest $100 billion to rebuild Venezuela’s "rotting" oil infrastructure and boost production if conditions allow. U.S. officials and human-rights groups are continuing to monitor developments closely as authorities verify detentions and releases.
Help us improve.
