Venezuela has begun releasing detained Americans, reports indicate, following the country’s prior move to release political prisoners.
“We welcome the release of detained Americans in Venezuela,” a State Department official said. “This is an important step in the right direction by the interim authorities.”
While details of the matter remain undisclosed, the Associated Press reports that four Americans were released on Tuesday, and one was released on Monday.
President Trump commended Venezuela for beginning to release political prisoners last week, declaring on social media, “Venezuela is releasing large numbers of political prisoners as a sign of ‘Seeking Peace.’ This is a very important and smart gesture. The U.S.A. and Venezuela are working well together, especially as it pertains to rebuilding, in a much bigger, better, and more modern form, their oil and gas infrastructure.”
Because Venezuela signaled cooperation with the United States, President Trump “cancelled the previously expected second Wave of Attacks, which looks like it will not be needed,” he said.
In July 2025, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce warned Americans to avoid traveling to Venezuela amid threats of detainment. “We are committed to doing everything we can to prevent one American national from being wrongfully detained by the Venezuelan regime ever again,” she said at the time. “To this end, I want to reiterate our clear warning—no one should go to Venezuela.”
“We have the risk certainly of wrongful detention, of Americans, of dual nationals, of lawful permanent residents. Whoever you are, don’t go there,” she urged. “The risk is extremely high.”
