At least 14 journalists were detained in Venezuela on Monday while covering the aftermath of the dramatic takeover of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. Reports from the union representing media workers in Venezuela indicate that most of the detained individuals worked for foreign news organizations. Fortunately, the majority were released later that day, though one reporter faced deportation.
Foreign media have long encountered significant challenges when operating in Venezuela, as the government has imposed strict restrictions and only a limited number of visas are available for foreign journalists.
The detentions coincided with the swearing-in of Delcy Rodríguez as the interim president. In a statement, Rodríguez expressed her willingness to work with the Trump administration, which has indicated its intention to exert influence over Venezuela. This evolving political landscape raises concerns for press freedoms and highlights the ongoing complexities of reporting in the region.
While the situation remains tense, the release of most journalists suggests that international attention may play a role in safeguarding media rights. As Venezuela navigates this critical juncture, the resilience of the press is increasingly vital for transparency and accountability within the country.