Key takeaways
• U.S. embassy urges Americans to leave Venezuela after reports of armed militias on the roads
• Fox report highlights colectivos setting up checkpoints to check for U.S. passports
• Congressman Ted Lieu criticizes the White House and Secretary of State over the situation
• Rising security risks may deter U.S. companies and travelers from returning
Why You Should Leave Venezuela Now
The U.S. embassy in Caracas issued a stark warning. It told all Americans to leave Venezuela immediately. This alert came after a Fox report showed armed militias setting up roadblocks. The report said these groups, known locally as colectivos, search vehicles for proof of U.S. citizenship. As a result, many Americans face serious safety risks on Venezuelan highways.
Moreover, commercial flights have resumed in and out of Caracas. Yet the embassy stressed that the danger on the ground remains high. Therefore, it urged U.S. citizens not to wait. They should act now, before the situation worsens.
How Armed Militias Push Americans to Leave Venezuela
Colectivos are armed groups that support the government. They claim to protect neighborhoods but also enforce political control. Now they patrol roads outside major cities, searching for foreigners. The Fox report described checkpoints where drivers must show passports. If a vehicle carries an American, the colectivo members may detain or extort the travelers.
These roadblocks have created fear. Some drivers slow down or take back roads to avoid them. Yet remote routes offer little guarantee of safety either. As military forces lose control over rural areas, these militias fill the gaps. They set up makeshift barricades with logs or abandoned cars. Then they demand ID, money, or even valuables.
What Fox News Reported About Roadblocks
According to the conservative outlet, colectivos now stop cars on highways leading to the border. They scan IDs to spot U.S. citizens. One driver told the network that he saw five checkpoints over a 100-mile trip. He said each stop took at least 20 minutes. During that time, armed members approached the vehicle and demanded papers.
The report noted that these actions follow the recent U.S. mission that removed Venezuela’s leader. After that mission, the security vacuum gave militias room to grow. As flights restarted, the embassy highlighted the risk. It repeated its advice: Americans in Venezuela should leave Venezuela immediately.
Congressman’s Attack on U.S. Leadership
Shortly after the Fox story broke, Representative Ted Lieu seized on it. He tweeted a sharp rebuke of the White House and Secretary of State. He wrote that the U.S. is doing “such a great job” running Venezuela that it now warns its citizens to flee. He added that no American business would invest in a country where militias run the roads. His message called the entire operation a disaster.
Lieu’s remarks show deep frustration with the current policy. He questioned how the administration expects U.S. firms to enter Venezuela under these conditions. He argued that the warning undermines any plan to rebuild trade or diplomacy. Meanwhile, the situation on the ground keeps deteriorating.
What This Means for American Travelers
First, travelers must pay attention to official alerts. The embassy’s advice carries real authority. Ignoring it could lead to dangerous encounters with armed groups. Even day trips near borders now carry risks.
Second, tour operators and energy companies may push back. No firm wants to expose employees to roadside checks by armed mobs. As a result, Americans abroad may see fewer flights to or from Caracas. Airlines could cancel routes if insurance rates spike.
Third, friends and family of those stuck in Venezuela should stay informed. They must track flight schedules and embassy announcements. In addition, they can register travelers with the State Department’s STEP program. This free service helps the U.S. government locate citizens in emergencies.
Steps to Take for a Safe Exit
• Check the U.S. embassy website for the latest travel alerts.
• Register with STEP to receive timely updates by email or text.
• Book commercial flights out of Caracas or other open airports as soon as possible.
• Carry multiple forms of ID, including your U.S. passport and driver’s license.
• Travel during daylight hours on major roads when possible.
• Keep local contacts informed about your route and schedule.
• Have emergency cash in local and U.S. currency in case you face checkpoints.
By planning ahead, Americans can reduce risks. They should avoid traveling alone in remote areas. Instead, move in groups or with trusted drivers. As violence and lawlessness spread, preparation is key.
Looking Ahead
The embassy warning could strain U.S.-Venezuela relations further. Any plan to send American companies back into the country now seems unlikely. Investors will demand solid security guarantees before committing funds. At the same time, families of U.S. citizens in Venezuela will push for quick exits.
The government must balance diplomatic goals with citizen safety. For now, the top priority remains getting Americans home. Once they are safe, leaders can assess long-term strategies for engagement. Until that time, the urgent message is clear: leave Venezuela at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the U.S. embassy warn Americans to leave Venezuela?
The embassy alerted citizens after reports that armed militias, known as colectivos, set up checkpoints. These groups stop vehicles to search for U.S. passports. Such actions pose serious risks to American travelers.
Who are the armed militias operating roadblocks in Venezuela?
Colectivos are local armed groups originally formed to support the government. Over time, they gained power in rural areas. Now they enforce their own rules, often targeting foreigners for money or detention.
What did Congressman Ted Lieu say about the situation in Venezuela?
He criticized the White House and the Secretary of State. He called the U.S. operation a disaster, noting that the warning to leave Venezuela undermines any plan for American business investment.
How can Americans safely leave Venezuela?
Travelers should monitor embassy alerts, register with STEP, and book flights quickly. They should carry multiple IDs, travel in groups, and avoid remote roads. Keeping local contacts informed also adds a layer of safety.