The United States praised Venezuela's release of American citizens amid a wider release of political prisoners. However, NGOs say the process is slow and unclear. Many Venezuelans warn repression continues, with armed militias still searching phones and citizens too scared to protest. On January 5, 15 teenagers were detained in Barcelona city for "celebrating" Maduro’s capture but were released after public outcry. A state of emergency is in place in Venezuela, calling for the immediate capture of anyone supporting the US attack. Former prosecutor Zair Mundaray said, "[The regime] is seeking to project a very civic image, releasing some people, while others are being jailed at the same time." Congressional president Jorge Rodríguez, brother of acting president Delcy Rodríguez, announced a "mass process of releases" numbering over 400, including two rounds before Maduro’s fall on Christmas and New Year’s Day. NGOs verify significantly fewer releases: Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón confirmed 157 and 82 in two separate rounds. NGOs estimate nearly 1,000 political prisoners remain. Many freed detainees still face charges and cannot speak publicly. A US State Department spokesperson said, "We welcome the release of detained Americans in Venezuela. This is an important step in the right direction by the interim authorities." The exact number of released US citizens is unclear but estimated at least four. Meanwhile, the US is seeking court orders to seize dozens of tankers linked to Venezuelan oil. Recently, US military and coast guard forces seized five vessels connected to Venezuela. On Thursday, US President Donald Trump will meet Venezuela’s main opposition leader María Corina Machado, previously seen as a potential leader after Maduro. However, Trump kept Maduro’s cabinet intact. Bloomberg reported that Jorge Rodríguez will send Félix Plasencia, a senior diplomat, to Washington on the same day to meet US officials. Talks to reopen embassies resumed last week. Also, Rodríguez and powerful interior minister Diosdado Cabello have returned to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), banned by Maduro over a year ago. It is unclear if the ban is fully lifted or if Venezuelans still need VPNs to access it.