Richard Grenell, President Trump’s special envoy, reported that the release of six Americans from Venezuelan prisons was secured during his official visit to Caracas and discussions with President Maduro.
According to Richard Grenell, Washington’s envoy for special missions under President Donald Trump, six Americans previously imprisoned in Venezuela have returned to the United States.
This followed a surprise meeting between Grenell and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a significant development given the strained US-Venezuela relationship.
While their identities remain undisclosed, Grenell shared a photo on X (formerly Twitter) showing the six individuals on a plane, wearing light blue uniforms suggestive of Venezuelan prison attire.
“We are wheels up and headed home with these six American citizens,” Grenell announced, noting that the men spoke with President Trump and expressed gratitude for their release.
President Trump celebrated the news on Truth Social, thanking Grenell and his team for bringing “six hostages home from Venezuela.”
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez stated that the meeting was initiated by the US government “in accordance with the principles of mutual respect.” Rodríguez indicated discussions covered various topics, including migration, US sanctions against Venezuela, “Americans involved in crimes on national territory,” and “the integrity of the Venezuelan political system.”
Venezuela affirmed its commitment to peace, dialogue, and respect for sovereignty, expressing its desire to maintain open diplomatic channels with the US.
Earlier, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Grenell’s mission to Venezuela, explaining that he was tasked with resolving the deportation of Venezuelan nationals from the US and securing the release of detained US citizens.
The White House emphasized that Grenell’s visit to Caracas did not imply US recognition of President Maduro’s legitimacy.
The Trump administration recently rescinded deportation protections for over 600,000 Venezuelans in the US, a measure implemented under the Biden administration. Last month, Leavitt announced the arrest of 538 criminal illegal immigrants in the US, including four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, allegedly originating in Venezuela.
The US and Venezuela have a long history of conflict, with Washington repeatedly advocating for regime change in Venezuela. In 2019, the US recognized Juan Guaidó as interim president, supporting the opposition. In August 2024, the White House also acknowledged Edmundo Gonzalez as the winner of Venezuela’s presidential election.
To pressure Caracas, Washington has imposed stringent economic sanctions, prohibiting US companies from engaging with individuals or entities linked to the Venezuelan government.