Venezuela freed numerous prisoners, including foreigners, on Jan. 8, 2026, after U.S. capture of Maduro.

On January 8, 2026, Venezuela released a large number of prisoners, both foreign and domestic, in an effort to "seek peace" in the wake of former President Nicolás Maduro's capture by the United States, according to National Assembly head Jorge Rodríguez. Although Spain confirmed the release of five of its citizens, including human rights attorney Rocón San Miguel, the government did not reveal the precise number or identities of those set free. Human rights organizations like Foro Penal, which reported that 863 political prisoners remained as of late 2025, applauded the first releases since Maduro's overthrow. In an effort to exert more influence over Venezuela's future, the United States has seized sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers and intends to monitor oil sales.