Name: US and Venezuela agree to resume diplomatic ties after Nicolás Maduro capture | BBC News
Uploaded: 2026-03-06T16:29:00.000Z
Duration: 2 min 57 s
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Each day marks one more since the US seized Nicolas Maduro and struck this city.

In Caracas, the government plasters calls for his release around the city.

But on the world stage, the US and Venezuela, once foes, now swap smiles and investment promises.

Second visit in weeks by US government secretary, this time promising billions in mining deals.

But Maduro's number two, Delsey Rodriguez, is still in charge.

Concerning critics who want fresh elections, the US Interior Minister, Doug Burgum, didn't answer when asked if the two countries discussed democracy.

Well, we certainly talked about a positive future for this country, and

there's a number of things that are happening again under the current leadership that are very positive.

Venezuelans aren't yet feeling economic changes, but socially there has been a shift.

This camp is where relatives wait outside a prison for loved ones.

Inside, thousands of political prisoners have been released, though hundreds remain behind bars.

Opposition politician Juan Pablo Juanipa, recently freed, knows that reality.

The first 21 days of my imprisonment were 21 days of humiliation and outrage.

I went 21 days without washing, without bathing.

When they released me, I went out to visit some detention centers.

That really annoyed the regime, and they arrested me again.

My freedom is incomplete because there are still many political prisoners.

I asked if anything had really changed since the US seized Nicolas Maduro.

The balance of power now a force has arrived that has more power.

This encampment of families protesting outside a prison for the release of their loved ones is in itself a sign of change in Venezuela.

Months ago, people would have been too afraid of repercussions to do a protest like this.

So one thing that has struck me, being here, is this sign that that fear is cautiously lifting.

But speaking to others, it's clear that many are still afraid of speaking freely here, with the same government essentially in charge.

At this rally marking the anniversary of Maduro's arrest, the calls are clear.

While it is true the president is imprisoned, there is a population of resistance.

But off camera, some whispered a different truth.

As public employees, their attendance was expected.

The fear of criticizing those in power had not faded, not after what's happened to past critics.

It's the question supporters and opponents are now asking Ione Wells, BBC News in Caracas.