Venezuela Detains Journalists Amid Tense Political Climate

Thu Jan 08 2026 05:49:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the aftermath of Nicolás Maduro's seizure by US forces, Venezuelan security apprehends at least 14 journalists amid heightened armed police patrols across Caracas.

At least 14 journalists were detained in Venezuela while covering the political turmoil following the seizure of Nicolás Maduro by US forces. The media workers, primarily from foreign organizations, faced intimidation from security forces, including equipment searches and scrutiny of their communications. The freedom of expression continues to dwindle as the government tightens its grip amidst ongoing unrest. Various sources highlight the fear permeating Caracas' streets as armed police and pro-government groups assert their control.

At least 14 members of the press were detained in Venezuela on Monday as they were covering the aftermath of the seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by US forces.

The union representing media workers in Venezuela said all but one of those detained were employed by foreign news organisations and were released later on Monday, with one reporter deported.

Foreign news media have long faced restrictions in Venezuela, with very few being granted visas to work in the country.

Their detention came as Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as the interim president and shortly after she said that she was willing to co-operate with the Trump administration, which has said it would run Venezuela.

The union said the media workers were detained by Venezuelan security forces at the National Assembly and its environs, and in the neighbourhood of Altamira - all in the capital, Caracas.

At least two of them were seized by agents working for Venezuela's military counterintelligence agency, while others were detained by Venezuela's intelligence service.

They said they had their equipment searched, their phones checked and their social media posts and messages read, the union statement added.

A Colombian and a Spanish reporter were also detained at Venezuela's border with Colombia near Cúcuta.

The two reporters were held for hours incommunicado before being released back into Colombia, the statement said.

The union called the incidents alarming and called for the release of 23 media workers who remain in detention in the country.

The repression has not been confined to media workers.

One community leader in the neighbourhood of Petare, in Caracas, told BBC Mundo that there were hooded men with guns patrolling, checking people's WhatsApp statuses.

A 33-year-old masseuse, who did not want to be named, said there was so much fear in the streets and in our homes.

Members of the government appeared keen to show that the security forces were visible in communities, with the Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, posting a photo of himself on Monday night posing with armed police.

Their presence has struck fear in people critical of the government.

The journalist detentions come at a volatile time in Venezuela, where just days ago the country's leader, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife were seized by US forces in a pre-dawn raid.