The Venezuelan National Police announced on Wednesday that 14 journalists affiliated with foreign news organizations had been arrested in Caracas. The arrests followed a nationwide increase in security checkpoints and heightened monitoring of social‑media accounts across the country. Authorities cited the “risk of unlawful dissemination of sensitive information” as the main justification for detaining the media workers, a claim that aligns with prior statements regarding national security. _2_ The police deployment included a systematic sweep of public spaces and private residences where journalists had reported from. Online monitoring collected user profiles and recent posts, with an emphasis on those containing alleged “disruptive” content. The operations were coordinated under directives issued by the Ministry of Interior, according to a decree released by the government on the same day as the detentions. The detained journalists were held in a municipal detention center, where they are currently subjected to questioning. Their families report that the journalists were not provided with immediate access to legal counsel, a condition that complies with standard procedure for detainees under the existing law. _3_ International press freedom observers noted the escalation as a continuation of the nationwide struggle for media independence in Venezuela. Existing regulations impose restrictions on coverage that could be interpreted as “unlawful” or “anti‑state,” and the recent crackdown is consistent with the trend of limiting external reporting. The situation remains unfolding, with local media outlining plans for public statements once legal avenues are pursued. The detention of the 14 journalists signals an ongoing enforcement of press protocols and reflects the government’s current stance on regulating foreign media amidst a period of heightened scrutiny. end of report.