Baltimore, January 6, 2026
On January 3, Baltimore residents gathered to protest the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation, approximately 100 protesters expressed their opposition with chants and signs, calling for an end to U.S. aggression and sanctions against Venezuela. Demonstrators emphasized that the intervention violates international law and highlighted the need for peace in the Americas.
Baltimore Residents Protest U.S. Military Action in Venezuela
Baltimore, Maryland – On January 3, 2026, approximately 100 Baltimore residents and local organizers marched through downtown to protest the United States’ recent military intervention in Venezuela, which led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The demonstration was organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) and other local groups, who gathered in front of Baltimore City Hall to express their opposition to the U.S. actions in Venezuela.
The protesters chanted slogans such as “Hands off Venezuela!” and “No war in Venezuela!” They carried signs reading “No to war in Venezuela,” “Venezuela’s oil belongs to Venezuela,” and “Free Maduro, stop the war.” The rally was peaceful and lawful under the City of Baltimore’s code, with an increased police presence to ensure safety.
Organizers emphasized that the U.S. military intervention violated international law and was aimed at controlling Venezuela’s natural resources, particularly oil and precious minerals. They called for an immediate halt to all U.S. aggression in Venezuela, the lifting of all illegal sanctions and blockades, and accountability for the attack that resulted in the deaths of over a hundred people off the coast of Venezuela and Colombia in these most recent attacks. They also urged for the establishment of peace in the Americas and the removal of U.S./NATO military forces from the global south.
Background
The U.S. military operation in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. President Donald Trump announced plans to temporarily govern Venezuela and utilize its vast oil reserves. This action has raised significant international concern and led to protests in various cities, including Baltimore, Richmond, and Charleston, as well as in other countries such as Belgium and the United Kingdom.
Related Protests
In addition to the Baltimore demonstration, similar protests have occurred in other cities. In Richmond, Virginia, over 100 people rallied outside the federal courthouse, demanding an end to the U.S. attack on Venezuela and the release of President Maduro and his wife. In Charleston, South Carolina, community members and local organizations gathered for an emergency rally titled “No War Against Venezuela,” voicing their concerns over the U.S. military operation. Internationally, protests have been held in Brussels, Belgium, and London, United Kingdom, with demonstrators condemning the U.S. intervention and calling for respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Local Reactions
Marylanders with ties to Venezuela have expressed mixed reactions to the U.S. military action. Some view the intervention as a necessary step to end what they consider a brutal dictatorship, citing personal experiences of family members who have suffered under Maduro’s regime. Others, however, are alarmed by the potential consequences of U.S. involvement in Venezuela and fear it could lead to further instability in the region.
International Context
The U.S. intervention in Venezuela is part of a broader geopolitical struggle over control of the country’s vast oil reserves. President Trump’s comments about “running” Venezuela and tapping its oil reserves have raised concerns about the motivations behind the military action and its implications for international relations and the sovereignty of nations.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
The legality of the U.S. military operation has been questioned by legal experts, who point out potential violations of international law. The United Nations Charter prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, except in cases of self-defense or with the authorization of the UN Security Council. The intervention in Venezuela has sparked debates over the principles of sovereignty, non-intervention, and the right to self-determination.
Conclusion
The protests in Baltimore and other cities reflect a growing public concern over the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond and what the long-term implications will be for U.S.-Venezuela relations and regional stability.
What prompted the protests in Baltimore?
The protests were in response to the United States’ military intervention in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, which led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Demonstrators opposed the U.S. actions, viewing them as violations of international law and an infringement on Venezuela’s sovereignty.
What were the main demands of the protesters?
Protesters demanded an immediate halt to all U.S. aggression in Venezuela, the lifting of all illegal sanctions and blockades, and accountability for the attack that resulted in the deaths of over a hundred people off the coast of Venezuela and Colombia. They also called for the establishment of peace in the Americas and the removal of U.S./NATO military forces from the global south.
How have local leaders responded to the U.S. intervention?
Local leaders, including Senator Chris Van Hollen, have spoken out against the president’s actions, stating that the intervention is not about demolishing a dictatorship but about attempting to seize Venezuela’s oil for Trump’s billionaire associates. The situation has sparked widespread concern and debate over the legality and morality of the U.S. intervention in Venezuela.
What is the international reaction to the U.S. military action in Venezuela?
Internationally, protests have been held in Brussels, Belgium, and London, United Kingdom, with demonstrators condemning the U.S. intervention and calling for respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty. The U.S. intervention has raised significant international concern and led to debates over the legality and morality of the action.
What are the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the U.S. intervention?
The legality of the U.S. military operation has been questioned by legal experts, who point out potential violations of international law. The United Nations Charter prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, except in cases of self-defense or with the authorization of the UN Security Council. The intervention in Venezuela has sparked debates over the principles of sovereignty, non-intervention, and the right to self-determination.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Protest Location | Baltimore, Maryland |
| Date of Protest | January 3, 2026 |
| Number of Participants | Approximately 100 |
| Organizers | Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) and other local groups |
| Protest Focus | Opposition to U.S. military intervention in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro |
| International Protests | Demonstrations in Brussels, Belgium, and London, United Kingdom, condemning U.S. intervention |
| Local Leaders’ Response | Senator Chris Van Hollen and others have spoken out against the intervention, citing concerns over its legality and morality |
| Legal Considerations | Debates over potential violations of international law, including the United Nations Charter |
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