Story perspectives

Juan Pablo Guanipa's Release Sparks Protests and Criticism

2/13/2026

Center

Guanipa's House Arrest

Juan Pablo Guanipa was briefly released from prison after more than eight months and placed under house arrest.
The release followed a promise by interim leader Delcy Rodriguez after a deadly US military raid that ousted Nicolás Maduro.
Guanipa's re-arrest drew opposition criticism, including from Maria Corina Machado, who described it as a kidnapping.
Protests for amnesty continue as the parliament prepares an amnesty bill whose fate remains uncertain.

Left

García's Deportation Threat

In 2017, anti-government protests in Venezuela led to the imprisonment of local mayors, including Carlos Roberto García.
García fled to Colombia and later sought asylum in the United States.
Since 2022, he has lived in Cincinnati, delivering packages for Amazon to support his family.
During a routine Immigration and Customs Enforcement appointment, García was detained and threatened with deportation.
His family fears he will face imprisonment if he is returned to Venezuela, where the government continues to target political opponents despite the capture of President Nicolás Maduro in January.

1 of 2

Guanipa's House Arrest

Juan Pablo Guanipa was briefly released from prison after more than eight months and placed under house arrest.
The release followed a promise by interim leader Delcy Rodriguez after a deadly US military raid that ousted Nicolás Maduro.
Guanipa's re-arrest drew opposition criticism, including from Maria Corina Machado, who described it as a kidnapping.
Protests for amnesty continue as the parliament prepares an amnesty bill whose fate remains uncertain.

1 / 2