Streets of Caracas echoed with chants this week as thousands of Venezuelans rallied to demand the release of President Nicolás Maduro, currently held in U.S. custody following recent judicial actions. Demonstrators, largely organized by grassroots communities, condemned Washington’s expanded sanctions regime targeting Venezuela’s economy and leadership.
The protests mark the latest escalation in tensions between Caracas and Washington, with analysts noting a 40% increase in anti-U.S. demonstrations across Venezuela since January 2026. Many protesters carried banners reading “Hands Off Our Sovereignty,” reflecting growing frustration over perceived foreign interference.
U.S. authorities have yet to comment on Maduro’s legal status, though State Department officials previously cited “ongoing investigations” into alleged sanctions violations. The Venezuelan government has called the charges politically motivated, with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez declaring the protests “a legitimate defense of national dignity” during a televised address on Thursday.
