After Nicolás Maduro was taken into US custody, families of hundreds of Venezuelan political prisoners returned to prisons demanding freedom for all inmates. Some 20 women, including elders, camped for two weeks outside the Zone 7 police detention centre in east Caracas. "I’m staying right here … we aren’t going anywhere without our relatives," said Mileidy Mendoza, whose partner Eric Díaz remains jailed. Official prisoner releases began on January 8, five days after Maduro's arrest in New York. Acting leader Delcy Rodríguez called it “a new political moment.” Donald Trump praised the releases, saying, "They have released a lot of political prisoners in Venezuela." However, Foro Penal reports only about 250 prisoners freed, leaving over 600 still behind bars. Human rights activist Orlando Moreno called the slow releases a tactic to ease global pressure. He said new prisoners, like Alfredo Márquez, continue to be detained. Prominent opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa remains jailed despite hopes he’d be freed. His son Ramón said, "Someone within the regime said: ‘No, Juan Pablo Guanipa isn’t getting out.’" Other jailed include ordinary citizens accused on vague charges. Mendoza described the release announcement as “just a farce.” Joyful reunions contrast with the harsh realities for many families still waiting. Recent releases include Rafael Tudares, jailed over a year ago. Experts say the regime’s repression and terror continue unchanged despite a cabinet reshuffle. Orlando Pérez from University of North Texas explained the regime is making only cosmetic changes to satisfy the US while maintaining power. Armed pro-regime groups still intimidate opponents on the streets. Outside the Rodeo I prison, mothers like Massiel Cordones hope their jailed children—like her son serving 30 years for alleged treason—will soon be free. “The only thing truly missing for us is to see those doors swing open and freedom arrive,” she said, amid prayers and chants of “Death to oppression!”