State Department warns Americans not to travel to Venezuela, says no wrongfully detained U.S. nationals remain

The State Department warned U.S. citizens on Thursday not to travel to Venezuela, citing a high risk of wrongful detention, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said. —As of Friday evening, there are no wrongfully detained Americans in Venezuela, and we want to keep it that way,— Bruce said, adding: —No one should go to Venezuela.— Bruce said the risk extends to dual nationals and lawful permanent residents and warned that Americans who travel to Venezuela or nearby border regions risk being wrongfully detained —for months or even years— and that release is not guaranteed. Discussion-only: Reporters asked for details on consular efforts and on whether the U.S. would change travel advisories; Bruce reiterated the travel warning and said consular assistance is being provided in cases where deaths or detentions have been confirmed. Direction/assignment: The State Department reiterated travel guidance and said it is providing consular assistance to families when deaths or detentions are confirmed. Formal action: None beyond the public advisory and consular-assistance statements announced in the briefing. Bruce quoted: —No one should go to Venezuela. The risk is extremely high.— Less-critical details: Bruce did not provide updated travel-advisory text or a new formal travel-advisory level during the briefing.