Venezuelans rally massively in Caracas demanding the US release President Nicolas Maduro and wife Cilia Flores, one month after their dramatic capture in a US military raid. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez leads reforms amid global solidarity protests, highlighting sovereignty tensions with Trump’s oil ambitions.
Protests Ignite Caracas Streets
Thousands marched in the “Gran Marcha” on February 3, 2026, chanting “Venezuela needs Nicolas!” and waving banners like “The empire kidnapped them. We want them back.” Maduro’s son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, blasted the January 3 US operation as a “scar on our homeland,” vowing resistance.
Public workers and supporters filled streets, backed by trucks blaring music, as part of a worldwide day of action.
Backstory: US Captures Maduro Couple
On January 3, 2026, US forces raided Maduro’s Caracas home, seizing him and Flores on narco-terrorism charges from a 2020 indictment unsealed post-capture. Flown to New York, Maduro faces trial at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center; Trump touted oil access and drug curbs.
The op, echoing Panama 1990, lacked Congress nod, sparking legality debates.
Acting Leader’s Balancing Act
Delcy Rodriguez, as interim president, freed political prisoners and opened oil to private firms to appease Washington while honoring Maduro loyalists. She navigates Trump’s demands for Venezuelan oil control amid domestic amnesty calls from students.
Global protests unite ideologies against perceived sovereignty breach.
International Echoes and Oil Stakes
Protests spanned continents, decrying US “infringement of international law.” Trump’s regime-change push targets Venezuela’s vast reserves, pressuring Rodriguez for cooperation. Maduro supporters predict eventual release, fueling Chavismo resilience.
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Venezuela Rallies for Maduro: Massive Protests Demand US Release President and Wife
