On a brisk January afternoon, over 150 demonstrators gathered in Townsend Park, Albany, voicing fierce opposition to recent U.S. actions in Venezuela.

A coalition of local activist groups organized the rally, denouncing the arrest of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and demanding his release.

Peter LaVenia, co-chair of the Green Party of New York, delivered impassioned remarks, urging the U.S. to halt sanctions and respect Venezuela’s independence.

LaVenia argued that detaining a foreign leader violates international law and criticized both President Trump’s foreign policy and his interest in taking over Greenland.

The event follows a pattern of activism in Townsend Park, including demonstrations for Gaza and support for immigrant families.

As dusk settled, protesters dispersed, with their message resonating—a local demand for U.S. respect abroad and action on critical issues close to home.