A Venezuelan opposition leader recently released from prison was reunited with his niece during Tuesday’s State of the Union address as President Donald Trump touted the U.S. military operation that removed President Nicolas Maduro.
During his speech, President Trump drew attention to Alejandra González, who was in the audience, saying she shares a special bond with her uncle, Enrique Marquez.
“Alejandra, I’m happy to let you know that not only has your uncle been released, but he’s here tonight,” President Trump announced before Enrique Marquez entered the House of Representatives and hugged her to the applause of lawmakers.
This heartwarming and surprising reunion took place against the backdrop of the major political upheaval in Venezuela following the resignation of President Maduro on January 3rd. Since then, the United States has been pressuring Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former deputy, to release hundreds of political prisoners imprisoned under nearly three decades of dictatorship.
Marquez, a centrist party’s 2024 presidential candidate, was one of the first to be released last month. He had been held in the notorious El Helicode prison since his arrest in January 2025. He was charged with involvement in a coup attempt after questioning Maduro’s election victory.
“Alejandra was worried she would never see her uncle again,” Trump said.
“Since the attack, we have been working with new leaders who have ordered the closure of that vile prison and have already released hundreds of political prisoners, with many more set to be released.”
President Trump focused primarily on domestic issues during his speech, calling Venezuela a “new friend” and “partner.”
Venezuela has released more than 400 political prisoners since the U.S. dramatically removed President Maduro, according to Foro Penal, the country’s main human rights group.
Human rights groups say hundreds of political prisoners remain in detention, and many of those released so far face restrictions and conditions such as travel bans, regular court appearances, and gag orders.
Last week, Venezuelan lawmakers passed a new bill granting amnesty to people charged or convicted for political reasons, paving the way for the release of hundreds more.
After signing the law, Rodriguez called it “a special door for Venezuela to reunify, for Venezuela to learn to coexist democratically and peacefully, to get rid of hatred and intolerance, and to open to human rights.”
National Assembly Speaker Jorge Rodriguez said Venezuelan authorities had received more than 1,500 applications for amnesty by Saturday.
In a speech in Washington on Tuesday, President Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to U.S. helicopter pilot Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slober for his role in the operation to capture Maduro.
