Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s interim president, was identified in U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) intelligence files as a “priority target” in 2022, according to documents from the Associated Press. These files date back to at least 2018 and indicate Rodríguez has been involved in multiple investigations by various U.S. and international offices, but as of now, she hasn’t been publicly accused of any crime.
The DEA has a specific meaning for the “priority target” label; it’s typically assigned to individuals or organizations heavily involved in large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering that impact the U.S.
Rodríguez was officially sworn in as Venezuela’s leader on January 5, shortly after U.S. forces conducted a military operation in Caracas, rescuing Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Following their detention, Maduro was transported to New York, facing serious federal charges including conspiracy related to narco-terrorism and firearm possession.
In recent weeks, the White House has engaged with Rodríguez following the ousting of Maduro. President Donald Trump made a point to express his positive view of her in a statement, saying, “I think we get along very well with Venezuela.” However, Venezuelan opposition leader María Colina Machado has voiced concerns, arguing that Rodríguez does not truly represent the Venezuelan people and criticizing her ties to Maduro’s administration.
Machado also described Rodríguez as a communist closely aligned with foreign regimes, including those from Russia and China. She expressed optimism about a peaceful transition in the future but acknowledged the complex challenges currently faced.
