Thousands march in Venezuela to demand US frees President Maduro, wife | Nicolas Maduro News
Venezuela Marches for Release of Maduro and Wife
Caracas, Venezuela — Thousands gathered in the streets of Caracas on February 3, 2026, demanding the release of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. This demonstration marked one month since U.S. forces abducted the couple during a nighttime raid.
The rally, dubbed “Gran Marcha” (The Great March), saw participants chanting slogans such as “Venezuela needs Nicolás!” Many marchers carried signs expressing solidarity with the detained leader, while others donned shirts advocating for the couple’s return from U.S. custody.
“The empire kidnapped them. We want them back,” read one large banner prominently displayed by protesters.
Nicolás Maduro Guerra, the couple’s son and a member of Venezuela’s National Assembly, addressed the crowd, stating that the U.S. military’s actions would leave a lasting scar on the nation. “Our homeland’s soil was desecrated by a foreign army,” he said, referring to the raid that occurred on January 3.
The march, organized by the government and attended by numerous public sector employees, extended for several hundred meters and was accompanied by trucks playing music.
Local media outlet Venezuela News reported that the rally was part of a “global day of action” to call for the couple’s release, with demonstrations also taking place in various parts of the world. Protesters worldwide displayed banners with messages such as “Bring them back” and “Hands off Venezuela.”
The event highlighted a united front among diverse ideological groups, all of whom viewed the detention of Maduro and Flores as a flagrant violation of international law. “We feel confused, sad, angry. There are a lot of emotions,” said José Perdomo, a 58-year-old municipal worker who participated in the Caracas march. He expressed hope for his father’s eventual release.
In the backdrop of these developments, interim leader Delcy Rodríguez has faced the challenge of navigating both Maduro’s supporters and the expectations set by U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump has indicated a willingness to cooperate with Rodríguez, provided that Venezuela aligns with U.S. demands, particularly regarding its vast oil reserves.
Rodríguez has taken steps toward reform and reconciliation by releasing hundreds of political prisoners and opening Venezuela’s oil sector to private investment. Earlier on the day of the march, a separate demonstration involving hundreds of university students and families of political prisoners called for quick passage of an amnesty law designed to release inmates.
As of now, the proposed legislation has not yet reached a parliamentary vote.
