Venezuela Detains U.S. Citizens Amid Trump Administration’s Growing Pressure
The New York Times••general
Key Points:
- Venezuelan security forces have detained several Americans since the Trump administration intensified military and economic pressure on Venezuela, according to a U.S. official.
- Some detainees face legitimate criminal charges, while the U.S. government is considering designating at least two as wrongfully detained; the group includes dual Venezuelan-American passport holders and American citizens with no known Venezuelan ties.
- President Nicolás Maduro has historically used detained Americans as bargaining chips in negotiations with the U.S., which has prioritized securing the release of Americans held overseas.
- Early in Trump's second term, negotiations led by envoy Richard Grenell resulted in the release of 17 Americans, but these talks were suspended in favor of a pressure campaign, causing detentions to rise again.
