Venezuela's government published a decree on January 5, 2026, declaring a "State of External Commotion" that grants extensive emergency powers to the presidency and directs national security forces to detain individuals suspected of promoting or supporting a potential armed attack by the United States against the country. The decree, dated Saturday, January 3, 2026, was originally drafted and announced in late September 2025 following increased U.S. naval presence in the Caribbean. It was updated over the weekend to reflect recent developments before being made public. The measure, which carries the force of law, is set to remain in effect for an initial period of 90 days, with the possibility of a 90-day extension.

The decree instructs national, state, and municipal police agencies to immediately search for and capture throughout Venezuelan territory "any person involved in the promotion or support of the armed attack by the United States of America against the territory of the Republic" with the aim of prosecuting them. The document was signed by then-President Nicolás Maduro prior to his capture by U.S. military forces earlier on Saturday. It has since been endorsed by acting President Delcy Rodríguez. This marks the first invocation of such an emergency provision under Venezuela's 1999 Constitution, which permits the declaration in situations of conflict that seriously endanger national security, citizens, or institutions.

The publication of the decree comes amid heightened tensions between Venezuela and the United States, following reports of U.S. naval deployments in the region. Maduro, who was removed from power through his capture, appeared in a New York City federal court on January 5, 2026, where he pleaded not guilty to multiple federal charges. The U.S. action has sparked international reactions, including Switzerland's announcement of the immediate freezing of any Swiss-based assets linked to the former Venezuelan leader. Swiss authorities stated that if the assets are determined to be of illicit origin, steps will be taken to redirect them for the benefit of the Venezuelan population.

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The State of External Commotion grants the presidency near-total authority over political, economic, and social matters during the emergency period. The decree's timing and content reflect the Venezuelan government's framing of the U.S. intervention as an existential threat, while the ongoing legal proceedings against Maduro in the United States add further complexity to the political crisis. International observers are monitoring developments closely as Venezuela navigates this unprecedented transition under acting leadership.

The situation continues to evolve rapidly, with the decree's implementation and the broader implications for regional stability remaining focal points of concern. Venezuela's government has positioned the measure as a necessary response to external aggression, while critics view it as an attempt to consolidate control amid significant internal and external pressures. As the 90-day period begins, the decree's enforcement and any extensions will likely shape the immediate trajectory of the country's governance.

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