Any hope that Nicolás Maduro’s removal would bring a fresh start for Venezuela faded within days. Soon after his exit, authorities restored familiar methods of control. By Monday, reports confirmed arrests, a heavier security presence, and the return of pro-government armed groups on the streets of Caracas. These developments signalled a renewed crackdown on dissent, even as Delcy Rodríguez assumed power as interim leader.

Initially, many Venezuelans felt history was turning. Messages of joy spread through private chats. Some people cried with relief. In Caracas, one family opened a bottle of champagne they had saved for months. After more than a decade under Maduro, people cautiously believed change might finally arrive. However, that optimism quickly disappeared.

Government Moves Fast to Silence Opposition

Soon after taking control, the government launched a nationwide crackdown. Security forces detained journalists. Authorities arrested civilians. Meanwhile, armed pro-government groups returned openly to the streets.

“It feels like it did after the presidential elections in 2024,” said María, 55, speaking on condition of partial anonymity.
“We won, but we also lost,” she said, referring to elections in which Maduro claimed victory despite tallies showing the opposition had prevailed.

As a result, many Venezuelans said the current moment feels painfully familiar.

Rodríguez Takes Oath as Power Structure Stays the Same

As repression intensified, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez took the oath as interim president on Monday at the National Assembly. Senior military leaders publicly pledged loyalty to her. This display made it clear that the existing power structure remains intact. Her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, who leads the legislature, oversaw the ceremony.

At the same time, security forces detained at least 14 journalists and media workers, according to the National Press Workers Union. As many as 11 were linked to international media organisations. Although most were released after several hours, the message was clear.

Several journalists said military counterintelligence officers searched their phones. Many detentions happened near the National Assembly during Rodríguez’s swearing-in.

Emergency Decree Expands Arrest Powers

In addition, authorities began targeting ordinary citizens under a “state of external commotion” decree. The order instructed national, state, and municipal police to arrest anyone “involved in promoting or supporting the armed attack by the United States of America”.

The decree took effect on Saturday and appeared in full on Monday. It suspended the right to protest and allowed broad limits on movement and public gatherings.

For example, in Mérida state, police arrested two people in their 60s. Officers accused them of shouting anti-government slogans and of “celebrating the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores”.

Armed Groups Control Streets With Checkpoints

Meanwhile, colectivos — pro-government paramilitary groups — set up checkpoints across Caracas. These appeared along major routes, including the Cota Mil highway north of the city.

Residents said armed men stopped vehicles, questioned people, and demanded access to phones. The groups reportedly searched messages and social media for any sign of support for the US raid.

“We’re texting each other routes to avoid,” said one resident. “You hear ‘don’t go there — they’re stopping cars with machine guns.’”

As a result, fear spread quickly across the capital.

Trump’s Statements Deepen Uncertainty

Following Maduro’s capture, US President Donald Trump said the United States was “running” Venezuela. However, officials have not clarified how much control Washington actually holds.

Trump said senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, and himself, would oversee developments. Speaking on Monday, he said Venezuela was not ready for elections.

“We have to fix the country first,” he said. “We have to nurse the country back to health.”

Later, Trump suggested authorities planned to shut down El Helicoide, a detention centre long accused by rights groups of holding and torturing dissidents.

According to Foro Penal, more than 860 political prisoners remain in state custody.

Fear Persists Despite Leadership Change

Despite Maduro’s removal, many citizens say nothing has improved.

“Of course I have hope things could get better without Maduro,” said a 30-year-old man in Caracas. “But from where I am, all I see is the same people who destroyed my country still in power. They’re still persecuting us. And we’re still afraid.”

Opposition Sounds Alarm Over Crackdown

Finally, opposition leader María Corina Machado warned that the situation is worsening. In an interview, she described the crackdown as “really alarming” and urged the United States and the international community to closely monitor events.

Machado, who left Venezuela in December to accept the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway, described Rodríguez as “one of the main architects of torture, persecution [and] corruption.”

Late on Monday, gunshots echoed near the Miraflores presidential palace. Videos online showed armed men in the streets, fuelling rumours of a coup attempt.

Hours later, the Communication and Information Ministry responded, saying police fired warning shots after “drones flew over the area without authorization.”

“The entire country is completely calm,” the statement said.