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2h ago

Venezuela Frees 88 Protest Detainees as U.S. Officials Say at Least Five Americans Are Held

Caracas frames the releases as a case review under mounting U.S. pressure.

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A woman arranges photographs of political prisoners during a protest called “Christmas Without Political Prisoners,” demanding their release after the disputed 2024 presidential elections as U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration increases pressure on Nicolas Maduro’s government, in Caracas, Venezuela, December 14, 2025. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria
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Overview

  • A U.S. official said Venezuelan security forces have detained at least five Americans in recent months, and the State Department is weighing “wrongfully detained” designations for at least two, including traveler James Luckey-Lange.
  • U.S. officials say circumstances vary across the cases, with some detainees potentially facing drug-smuggling charges, while they believe others are being held to build leverage against Washington.
  • Venezuela announced 88 releases on Jan. 1 following 99 on Dec. 26; rights groups verified fewer than the government claimed and estimate hundreds of political prisoners remain, with many freed from Tocorón prison.
  • The Trump administration reports 35 strikes on alleged drug boats since September with at least 115 deaths, and two people familiar with the matter told AP the CIA conducted a drone strike on a Venezuelan docking area last week.
  • President Nicolás Maduro said he is open to talks with the U.S. on drug trafficking and oil but declined to confirm or deny the reported dock attack.