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Maduro’s Arrest Sparks Nationwide Protests Across the U.S. as Venezuela Slips Into Uncertainty

Published by admin on January 4th, 2026.

Maduro’s Arrest Sparks Nationwide Protests Across the U.S. as Venezuela Slips Into Uncertainty

Public demonstrations have erupted across several major cities in the United States following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife during a U.S. military operation, heightening fears of another prolonged foreign conflict tied to oil interests.

From Washington, D.C. to New York and Boston, protesters poured into public spaces over the weekend, condemning what they described as American military overreach in Latin America. Many expressed concern that the operation could trigger violence and deepen instability in the region.

In **Washington, D.C.**, demonstrators gathered outside the White House, waving Venezuelan flags and displaying placards with messages such as *“No War on Venezuela,” “U.S. Hands Off Latin America,”* and *“No Blood for Oil.”* Protesters chanted and sang in opposition to the intervention.

In **New York City**, crowds assembled in Times Square near a U.S. Army recruitment center, holding signs opposing military action against Venezuela. Similar scenes played out in **Boston**, where activists led chants criticizing what they called imperial aggression, while others held banners reading *“Venezuela Is Not the Problem”* and *“No War on Venezuela.”*

Despite harsh winter conditions, demonstrators in **Minneapolis** also turned out in large numbers, waving Venezuelan flags and calling for Maduro’s release. Smaller protests were reported in **Atlanta**, while larger rallies were planned for later in the day in **Chicago** and **Los Angeles**.

Meanwhile, tension gripped **Caracas** as residents rushed to stock up on food and essential supplies amid growing uncertainty. While long queues formed outside supermarkets, much of the city appeared unusually quiet, according to video footage circulating online.

Venezuela’s Vice President, **Delcy Rodríguez**, strongly condemned the operation, demanding the immediate release of President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, who she said were forcibly taken from their residence during the overnight military action. Speaking during a televised meeting of the National Defense Council, Rodríguez described the arrest as an act of “kidnapping” and a serious breach of international law.

She accused U.S. forces of violating Venezuela’s sovereignty and announced that the government would seek approval from the Supreme Court to declare a **state of external emergency**. Rodríguez also urged Venezuelans to remain vigilant and called on regional allies in Latin America to stand in solidarity with the country.

Rodríguez’s position stood in sharp contrast to remarks made by U.S. President **Donald Trump**, who stated that Secretary of State **Marco Rubio** had spoken with the Venezuelan vice president. According to Trump, Rodríguez expressed a willingness to cooperate with Washington during what he described as a “transition phase” for Venezuela.

The conflicting statements have added to confusion surrounding the political situation, as both governments offer sharply different narratives of events. The U.S. State Department has yet to issue a detailed response, while efforts to obtain further comment from Venezuelan officials are ongoing.