Federal Judge Awards $314 Million to Americans Tortured in Venezuela

Washington DC, United States Jul 16, 2026 ALN: A federal judge has awarded $314 million in damages to three Americans who were jailed and allegedly tortured by what he called a “criminal enterprise” led by former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro before the men were freed in a swap for a close Maduro ally imprisoned in the U.S.

Maduro’s government in 2023 freed Jerrel Kenemore, Jason Saad, and Edgar Marval after months in prison as part of an exchange secretly negotiated with the Biden administration for Alex Saab, a businessman long described by U.S. officials as Maduro’s bag man and who had been awaiting trial in the U.S. on money laundering charges. This swap highlights the complex and often contentious relationship between the U.S. and Venezuela, particularly under the Maduro regime, which has faced increasing international scrutiny and condemnation for its human rights abuses and authoritarian practices.

Last year, the three Americans sued several top Venezuelan officials, including now acting President Delcy Rodríguez, claiming they were subjected to physical and psychological torture — electrocution, stress positions, and beatings — that continues to inflict anguish and trauma on them and their families today. The allegations of torture and abuse are not isolated incidents; they are part of a broader pattern of human rights violations reported by various human rights organizations and international bodies. Similar allegations of abuse are also being investigated by prosecutors at the International Criminal Court, which has been examining the situation in Venezuela since 2018, focusing on the systematic use of torture and extrajudicial killings by the Venezuelan state apparatus.

Judge Darrin P. Gayles in Miami issued a default judgment Tuesday against Maduro, Saab, and five other individual defendants, as well as the “Cartel of the Suns,” a purported drug-smuggling ring involving top military officials, for failing to respond to the lawsuit. Rodríguez was not included in the ruling after lawyers for her entered an appearance in April seeking to dismiss the complaint, arguing that as the duly recognized head of state she is immune from civil action in the U.S., a contention plaintiffs dispute. This legal maneuvering underscores the complexities of international law and diplomatic immunity, particularly in cases involving allegations of severe human rights violations.

The case is the largest judgment to date amid a slew of lawsuits filed for Americans imprisoned in Venezuela. All sought damages under a little-used federal law, the Anti-Terrorism Act, that allows American victims of foreign terror groups to seize the assets of their victimizers. This legal framework provides a pathway for victims to seek justice and compensation, particularly in cases where traditional avenues may be blocked due to the political nature of the offenses. The implications of this ruling could extend beyond the immediate financial compensation; it may set a precedent for future cases involving American citizens who are victims of foreign governments.

“The kidnappings,” Judge Gayles wrote in his 19-page ruling, were just one of many crimes “committed in order to support Maduro’s dictatorial rule over Venezuela, which in turn allowed the Maduro Criminal Conspiracy to earn ill-gotten gains.” The characterization of Maduro's regime as a criminal enterprise is significant, as it aligns with the narratives pushed by both the U.S. government and various human rights organizations that have documented extensive corruption and abuse within the Venezuelan state. The ruling also reflects a growing recognition of the need to hold foreign officials accountable for their actions, particularly when those actions violate international human rights standards.

A lawyer for Saab, who is once again in U.S. custody facing new charges after Rodríguez handed him over to U.S. authorities in May, declined to comment. Lawyers for Rodríguez didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. Saab's return to U.S. custody raises questions about the ongoing legal battles he faces and the potential implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations, which remain fraught with tension and complexity.

Each of the plaintiffs arrived in Venezuela unsuspecting they would be accused of spying and used as bargaining chips in Venezuela’s negotiations with the U.S. This tactic of using foreign nationals as leverage in diplomatic negotiations is not unique to Venezuela but has been employed by various regimes around the world. It raises ethical questions about the treatment of detainees and the responsibilities of governments to protect their citizens abroad.

Kenemore, who spent 643 days in jail, was a computer professional from Fort Worth, Texas, who had been living in neighboring Colombia with a Venezuelan woman he met online when both were getting over divorces. In 2022, he was abducted by armed gunmen near the border and later handed over to Venezuelan authorities and immediately imprisoned, according to the complaint. His case illustrates the dangers faced by Americans who travel to or live in countries with unstable political climates and the potential for arbitrary detention.

Saad, a native of Alabama, had been living in Venezuela working in construction for several years at the time of his arrest, according to the complaint. Together with Marval, who owned a company in Florida and did business in Venezuela, all were held by Venezuela’s feared military intelligence police. The experiences of Saad and Marval reflect the broader challenges faced by foreign nationals engaging in business in Venezuela, where the political and economic crises have created a volatile environment for investment and entrepreneurship.

The Trump administration labeled the “Cartel of the Suns” a foreign terrorist organization ahead of a massive military deployment in the Caribbean that resulted in Maduro’s capture in January to face drug trafficking charges in New York. This designation was part of a broader strategy to combat drug trafficking and organized crime in the region, highlighting the interconnectedness of drug trade, corruption, and political power in Venezuela. The ongoing investigations and legal actions against individuals associated with the Maduro regime signal a continued commitment by the U.S. to address these issues, although the effectiveness of such measures remains a topic of debate.

The former president has denied any wrongdoing, and some observers doubt that corruption that has long festered inside Venezuela’s barracks has led to the creation of a cohesive drug smuggling group that functions like other Latin American cartels. This skepticism reflects the complex realities of organized crime in Venezuela, where multiple factions and interests often intersect, complicating efforts to address corruption and criminality within the state. The implications of these developments extend beyond Venezuela, as they impact regional stability and U.S. foreign policy in Latin America, particularly in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country and the influx of Venezuelan migrants into neighboring nations.

As the situation in Venezuela continues to evolve, the repercussions of this ruling and the ongoing legal battles faced by individuals like Saab, Kenemore, Saad, and Marval will likely resonate for years to come. The case serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of political conflict and the enduring struggle for justice faced by victims of state-sponsored violence and abuse.