US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that all political prisoners in Venezuela would eventually be released, as his administration deepens ties with the country's acting President Delcy Rodríguez.
"We're going to get them all out," Trump told reporters in Washington before departing for China.
Despite a US military operation in January that resulted in the capture of authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro, hundreds of government critics remain detained in Venezuela, according to rights groups.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were arrested in Caracas and flown to New York, where they are facing trial on drug trafficking charges. Rodríguez, formerly vice president, assumed power on an interim basis after Maduro's removal and has since cooperated with Washington on issues including oil exports.
Trump praised Rodríguez, saying she was doing a "great job" and that Venezuelans were enthusiastic about changes in the country.
But opposition groups continue to demand broader democratic reforms, including free elections and the release of all political prisoners.
Rights organization Foro Penal says more than 600 political detainees have been freed since January, though over 450 remain in custody. No timetable has been announced for new elections in the South American nation, which holds the world's largest proven oil reserves.
