Families of Venezuelan political prisoners camp outside US embassy, seek Trump's help

Relatives of Venezuelan political prisoners have been camping outside the U.S. embassy in Caracas for over two weeks, demanding the release of hundreds of detainees they consider unjustly imprisoned. The families, about 40 people, are calling on President Donald Trump and U.S. diplomats to intervene.

Failed letter delivery On June 22, families attempted to deliver a letter to U.S. chargé d'affaires John Barrett but were turned away. Gabriela Álvarez, whose husband Gabriel Guerra has been detained since 2022, said embassy staff cited photos on social media that were misinterpreted as a protest. “We were waiting on the sidewalk, not blocking traffic,” she said Source: elnacionalve. The families insist they are not protesting against the U.S. but pleading for help.

Ongoing vigil The camp started May 7 and will remain “until the last one is free,” according to Álvarez Source: elnacionalve. The vigil includes relatives of journalists, activists, and fishermen. Liliana Rico, whose brother is accused in a drone attack plot, noted that every time Trump mentions political prisoners, “they release a few” Source: elcolombiano. The group delivered a letter to a security officer, asking for a meeting.

Context The interim government of Delcy Rodríguez has released some prisoners since January, but Foro Penal reports about 400 opposition members remain jailed. Lexis Sandoval, mother of a detainee, said, “If I have to kneel for my son, I don’t care” Source: diariolibree. The families see the U.S. as a last resort, having exhausted domestic channels.