U.S. Envoy Laura Dogu Arrives in Caracas to Lead Embassy Reopening Plan

Updated 2026-01-31 22:46:03+00:00 (4 articles)

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Envoy’s arrival marks first public U.S. diplomatic step since 2019 Laura F. Dogu landed in Caracas on Saturday, Jan. 31, posting photos on X that confirmed her presence, the first publicly acknowledged U.S. envoy in Venezuela after the embassy’s 2019 closure [1]. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil Pinto welcomed her, noting the visit fits a “bilateral roadmap” for dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to international law [1]. The arrival follows a Jan. 27 State Department notification to Congress outlining formal steps to reopen the Caracas embassy [2].

Three‑phased plan combines temporary facilities with long‑term foothold A State Department official described a roadmap that will first station temporary staff in an interim site while the historic compound is refurbished, then expand duties to consular, political, economic, and public‑diplomacy functions [2]. Dogu is tasked with coordinating private‑sector, public‑sector, and civil‑society actors to advance this phased approach [1]. The plan reportedly includes a CIA effort to secure a permanent U.S. presence once security conditions permit [1].

Acting president Rodríguez adopts reforms aligning with U.S. goals Delcy Rodríguez’s interim government approved an oil‑sector law easing foreign investment, an amnesty bill for political prisoners, closed a notorious detention center, and released all known U.S. citizens held in Venezuela [1]. The Trump administration seeks to normalize relations with Rodríguez, which would require revoking the 2015 recognition of the opposition‑controlled National Assembly [2]. Rodríguez confirmed respectful communication channels with the U.S. since Jan. 3, though she declined to comment on specific embassy details [2].

Leadership transition and on‑ground assessment underway The State Department named a Bogotá‑based career diplomat as charge d’affaires, with Dogu expected to assume full leadership from Caracas once the interim phase concludes [2][1]. A small Venezuela Affairs Unit team from the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá conducted an initial on‑ground feasibility assessment shortly after the military operation that ousted Maduro [2]. Dogu’s prior ambassadorships to Honduras and Nicaragua and current advisory role to the Joint Chiefs of Staff bring senior diplomatic experience to the effort [1].

Sources

Timeline

2019 – The United States closes its Caracas embassy, suspends diplomatic staff, and recognizes the 2015 Venezuelan National Assembly as the legitimate legislature, ending formal diplomatic relations with Venezuela [2].

Feb 2025 – Former Trump envoy Richard Grenell visits Caracas; the trip precedes the release of six detained Americans, illustrating how high‑level contacts can trigger detainee releases [4].

Early Jan 2026 – A U.S. military operation ousts President Nicolás Maduro, creating a power vacuum that prompts Washington to consider re‑engaging diplomatically with the interim government [3].

Jan 3, 2026 – Acting President Delcy Rodríguez tells the Trump administration that “respectful communication channels” exist between Caracas and Washington, signaling a willingness to dialogue after Maduro’s removal [3].

Jan 9, 2026 – A State Department team from the Venezuela Affairs Unit travels to Caracas for the first on‑ground U.S. presence since Maduro’s ouster, assessing security, logistics, and facilities for a possible phased embassy reopening [2].

Jan 9, 2026 – U.S. and Venezuelan officials meet in Caracas to explore restoring diplomatic ties; both sides discuss a “working agenda” and Venezuela announces plans to send a delegation to the United States, pending U.S. sanctions waivers [4].

Jan 27, 2026 – The Trump administration formally notifies ten congressional committees of a three‑phased plan to resume operations in Caracas, including temporary staff at an interim site and a future charge d’affaires, while seeking to normalize relations with Acting President Rodríguez [3].

Jan 31, 2026 – U.S. envoy Laura F. Dogu lands in Caracas, confirming her arrival on X; she is tasked with implementing the three‑phased diplomatic plan, meets Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil Pinto, and oversees new Venezuelan reforms that ease oil‑sector investment, propose political‑prisoner amnesty, and release all U.S. citizens held in the country [1].

2026 (planned) – Venezuela’s acting government intends to dispatch a diplomatic delegation to Washington to further normalize relations, a move that will require U.S. Treasury sanctions waivers [4].

2026 (ongoing) – The CIA reportedly seeks a permanent foothold in Caracas as the United States prepares a permanent diplomatic presence following the interim facility phase [1].