Venezuela has freed six US detainees after talks in Caracas between President Nicolás Maduro and a senior Trump administration official.
The release of the men was announced on social media by Donald Trump and his special envoy, Richard Grenell.
Grenell – who published online a photo of the six on board his plane – said they had spoken by phone to President Trump to thank him.
Grenell did not name the six men, who were seen dressed in light blue outfits used by the Venezuelan prison system.
Trump hailed the move in a separate post, saying Grenell was bringing the six “home from Venezuela”.
Following negotiations between President Nicolás Maduro and a top Trump administration official in Caracas, Venezuela has released six US detainees.
Donald Trump and his special envoy, Richard Grenell, announced the men’s release on social media. Their identities have not been disclosed.
Grenell said they had called President Trump to express their gratitude, and he posted a picture of the six on his plane online.
The White House had earlier threatened to impose sanctions on Venezuela unless it released what it referred to as “US hostages” and agreed to accept the deportation of Venezuelan criminals.
The six men, who were spotted wearing light blue uniforms that are part of the Venezuelan prison system, were not identified by Grenell.
Venezuelan authorities detained over 2,200 people after nationwide protests over the disputed July 2024 election results, which Nicolás Maduro claimed were won. Of those, at least nine were believed to be US citizens or residents.
The opposition and the world community, including the United States, overwhelmingly opposed his reelection. He took the oath of office last month for his third term.
Grenell wrote, “We are wheels up and headed home with these 6 American citizens,” on X. “They couldn’t stop thanking @realDonaldTrump after speaking with him. “..”.
Trump said Grenell was bringing the six “home from Venezuela” in a separate post, applauding the action.
The conversations with President Trump’s envoy had been civil, according to Venezuelan state media.
Following the meeting, Maduro declared that he wanted a “new beginning in bilateral relations” with the United States and that the discussions had “zero agenda.”.
However, earlier Friday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Grenell’s visit did not imply that Maduro was recognized by the United States as the legitimate leader of Venezuela.