The New York Times reports Venezuelan security forces have detained several U.S. citizens in the months since the Trump Administration launched its pressure campaign against President Nicolás Maduro. ¹

Maduro apparently uses the detainees as “bargaining chips” when in negotiations with the United States. At least some detainees were imprisoned, abused, and subjected to horrible living conditions.

The Trump Administration appears undeterred by Caracas, having attacked a boat dock inside of Venezuelan territory last week. ²

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¹ Kurmanaev, A., Correal, A., & Wong, E. (2025, December 31). Venezuela detains Americans amid growing U.S. pressure. The New York Times. Retrieved December 31, 2025, from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/31/world/americas/venezuela-detained-americans.html

² U.S. Sec of State Rubio behind current actions against Venezuelan Oil. (2025, December 31). On Current Events. https://currentevents.blog/2025/12/30/rubio-venezuelan-oil/