Tensions rise between US and Colombia after Maduro detention
House Republicans are seeking further details after discovering that a constituent may have been held by the Venezuelan government.
Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) mentioned she is urging the State Department to assist Americans in her district who may be detained in Latin America.
“My primary concern right now is that voters might be unlawfully held by Venezuela,” she expressed.
Malliotakis is reaching out to the State Department, hoping they can exert “leverage” to secure the release of these individuals.
It’s been suggested that Maduro may have been held for a few weeks prior to his departure from power.
While Malliotakis’ family fears he is being held illegally, it remains uncertain if the U.S. government recognizes his situation as such.
Her office released a statement indicating, “We have not been in touch with James Lackey-Lange’s family, but we learned about this development through the media on Friday and immediately contacted the State Department.”
“For months, the State Department has advised Americans against traveling to Venezuela, as there is a high risk of unlawful detentions. Although we haven’t confirmed any specific detentions yet, we’re monitoring the situation closely and have informed the White House and the Secretary of State,” the statement continued. “We hope our constituents return safely to the United States soon.”
The comments from Malliotakis came after a classified briefing for House members regarding Venezuela, which involved senior officials from the Trump administration.
Currently, President Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores, are facing terrorism-related charges following their retrieval in Caracas, with proceedings at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New York.
Media reports indicate that Lucky Lange was identified as a possible detainee after entering Venezuela in December, although it’s unclear if he had the necessary visa.
President Trump mentioned over the weekend that the U.S. would “manage” Venezuela until a proper transition can take place. In the meantime, Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, has stepped in as acting president.
