The Fox News Rundown Extra: Former U.S. Marine Details Brutal Imprisonment Under Maduro, And How He Survived
Jan 10, 2026
Matthew Heath, a former U.S. Marine and wrongful detainee in Venezuela, shares his harrowing experience of being imprisoned for over two years under Nicolás Maduro's regime. He details the brutal conditions he faced, including torture and solitary confinement, and highlights the rampant wrongful detentions in Venezuela. Heath reflects on his resilience and faith that aided his survival, the dynamics of the prison, and how his release came about through a prisoner swap. He concludes with a hopeful vision for Venezuela's future and a commitment to preventing future detentions.
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Relief At Maduro's Capture
- Matthew Heath celebrated seeing Nicolás Maduro in handcuffs and called for him to be tried in the U.S.
- He compared Maduro's court claims to his own confusion after a false arrest in Venezuela.
Maduro's Regime As Organized Crime
- Matthew Heath calls Nicolás Maduro the head of a cartel and lists extensive crimes under his rule.
- He highlights that over 44 Americans were wrongfully detained in Venezuela during Maduro's tenure.
Lured Into Detention
- Heath says he was lured into Venezuela with false information while trying to reach Aruba during the pandemic.
- He describes a pattern of Venezuelans enticing Americans to travel then detaining them.