Venezuela has freed six American citizens who had been detained. Richard Grenell, a special envoy from the Trump administration, visited the country on Friday to facilitate their release. US President Donald Trump and Grenell announced this on social media.
Grenell’s visit caught many in Venezuela by surprise. Many had expected Trump to maintain his “maximum pressure” campaign against President Nicolás Maduro’s government, a stance he had taken during his first term. According to the White House, Grenell’s trip focused on two main objectives: deporting Venezuelans from the US who had been denied entry back to Venezuela and securing the freedom of the detained Americans.
“We are wheels up and headed home with these six American citizens,” Grenell posted on X. He shared a photo of himself with the men aboard a plane. “They just spoke to @realDonaldTrump and couldn’t stop thanking him.”
Maduro’s response to the visit and political situation in Venezuela
The meeting occurred shortly after Maduro’s inauguration for a third term, despite widespread allegations of electoral fraud. The US, along with several Western nations, does not recognise his victory. Instead, they support the opposition’s claim that Edmundo González won by a significant margin. Venezuelan state TV showed Grenell and Maduro meeting at the Miraflores Palace. The government reported that the US had requested the meeting.
Some Republicans, such as Elliott Abrams, criticised the timing of the visit. Abrams argued that the meeting would allow Maduro to present it as a sign of legitimacy. “A meeting with Maduro will show that Americans recognise him as president,” he said.
Details of the freed americans and repatriation efforts
One of the freed detainees, David Estrella, had been missing since September. A non-governmental organisation confirmed his release. Venezuelan officials had accused Estrella of participating in a plot to assassinate Maduro.
In addition, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump had given Grenell clear instructions. He was to ensure that repatriation flights for Venezuelans, including members of the Tren de Aragua criminal group, land in Venezuela. Furthermore, Trump instructed Grenell to ensure the return of all US detainees currently in Venezuela.
