State Department seeks immunity for Delcy Rodríguez in Florida kidnapping lawsuit
State Department legal adviser Reed Rubinstein asked the Justice Department to file an immunity request for Delcy Rodríguez in federal court in Miami, EFE reported. According to EFE, Washington argues that Rodríguez, recognized as interim president since March 5, 2026, enjoys immunity while in office, and the Venezuelan embassy requested that certification.
The civil suit accuses chavista leaders of kidnapping, torture and terrorist acts; on July 15 a judge set $314 million in damages against Maduro and other officials, excluding Rodríguez, according to EFE. NTN24 contrasted the treatment: in New York the judge does not recognize Maduro's titles. VPItv also reported that Panama will keep recognizing Edmundo González Urrutia as president-elect.
«She, yes, must be treated as interim president, and therefore it asks for presidential immunity for her.»— NTN24, July 21, 2026 · watch