Regina Garcia Cano and Juan Arraez | Associated Press

National Assembly president Jorge Rodríguez announced the releases Tuesday in Caracas. He didn't specify if they're political prisoners, but human rights defenders say some are. Rodríguez emphasized the gesture without asking for anything in return. This announcement comes amid scrutiny over the in-custody death of Víctor Hugo Quero, considered a political prisoner, and his mother's recent passing.

His comments at a news conference on Monday follow the U.S. boosting its maritime force in the Caribbean to combat drug cartels.