The United States’ capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a military operation early Jan. 3, 2026 drew swift condemnation from leading Democrats and sparked demonstrations in major American cities, as critics described the action as unlawful and destabilizing.
In the United States, activists and left-leaning groups responded with public demonstrations. In multiple cities, opponents of the U.S. action took to the streets to condemn what they described as imperialist aggression and to call for Maduro’s release.
Protest Scenes in the United States
In New York City, protesters gathered in Times Square and near federal detention facilities where Maduro and Flores are reported to be held. Demonstrators carried signs expressing opposition to U.S. intervention, with messaging denouncing military force and calling for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.
In Times Square a group of protestors can be seen with various signage including depictions of Maduro stating “Stand with the Bolivarian Revolution”, “Free Nicolás Maduro!” among other messages against perceived American imperialism.
In Portland, Oregon, demonstrators assembled downtown in rallies organized by local peace and civil liberties groups to protest the military action against Venezuela. Hundreds of people marched and voiced opposition to U.S. intervention, framing the Maduro capture as an illegal act of aggression. Organizers led chants against U.S. foreign intervention and held signs advocating an end to what they described as regime-change tactics.
📍LIVE: Venezuelan Protest in Portland, OR
— Hailey (@haileyywest) January 3, 2026
Portlanders chant “FREE MADURO FREE HIM NOW”
Meanwhile, Venezuelans in their home nation cheer for their new found freedom. MAKE IT MAKE SENSE pic.twitter.com/iSRcjprUNe
Another video in Portland Oregon shows leftist protestors chanting “Free Maduro, free him now”.
A group of pro-Maduro protestors gathered outside the White House on January 3 where a man held a sign in blue hand lettering with the words “Free Maduro”. Fox News reported one protestor, who was interviewed, stated “I want to free Maduro”.
This really encapsulates the left. A man in a skirt leads "Free Maduro" march in Seattle:
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) January 4, 2026
pic.twitter.com/bvNiu2fcwr
On January 4 an individual with a microphone exclaimed “Free President Maduro!” after which the crowd echoed his chant.
Organized Campaigns by Activist Groups
Following the operation, organized advocacy groups intensified calls for public action. Long-standing anti-war organizations circulated information online and through grassroots networks encouraging supporters to attend rallies, write to elected officials, and challenge the legality of the U.S. conduct in Venezuela.
Groups such as the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) mobilized supporters with messaging that condemned the U.S. strike and urged nationwide demonstrations to demand Maduro’s release and an end to what they termed “illegal interventionism.” ANSWER Coalition has a history of organizing against U.S. military operations and coordinated protest days during prior conflicts.
Similarly, Code Pink, a well-known anti-war activist organization, issued calls for emergency protests and framed the capture as a violation of Venezuelan sovereignty. Code Pink’s social messaging included an image of Maduro with the caption “Release Nicolás Maduro & Cilia Flores” claiming they were held hostage in the United States
Maduro is expected to appear before a federal court in Manhattan early in the week following his capture, where he faces superseding indictments including allegations of narco-terrorism and other criminal activity.