Venezuelans Rally to Demand Release of President Maduro

Protesters gather in Caracas to call for return of leader detained in U.S.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 8:16pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Thousands of Venezuelans gathered in Caracas' Bolivar Square on March 26, 2026, to demand the release of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Maduro was forcibly seized by U.S. troops during a military raid in the capital in early January and has been detained in New York since then, making his second court appearance on Thursday.

Why it matters

The detention of President Maduro has sparked outrage and protests across Venezuela, with his supporters claiming the move was an illegal and unjustified act of aggression by the United States. The rally in Caracas is the latest show of defiance against Maduro's imprisonment, underscoring the deep political divisions in the country.

The details

According to reports, thousands of Maduro supporters gathered in Bolivar Square, the historic center of Caracas, to call for the president's immediate release. Protesters waved Venezuelan flags and chanted slogans demanding that Maduro and his wife be freed from U.S. custody. The rally comes after Maduro was forcibly seized by U.S. troops during a raid in early January and has since been detained in New York, where he made his second court appearance on Thursday.

  • The rally took place on March 26, 2026 in Caracas.
  • Maduro was forcibly seized by U.S. troops in early January 2026.
  • Maduro made his second court appearance in New York on March 27, 2026.

The players

Nicolas Maduro

The current president of Venezuela who was forcibly detained by U.S. troops in January 2026.

Cilia Flores

The wife of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let this illegal and unjustified act of aggression by the United States stand. President Maduro must be released immediately.”

— Protester

What’s next

The U.S. government has not indicated when or if it plans to release Maduro, setting the stage for continued protests and political tensions between Venezuela and the United States.

The takeaway

The rally in Caracas is a powerful display of support for President Maduro and underscores the deep political divisions in Venezuela over his detention. The situation remains highly volatile, with no clear resolution in sight.