URGENT UPDATE: Venezuelan Americans erupted in celebration in Doral, Florida, on Saturday following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. military forces. The news, which sparked chants of “Liberty! Liberty! Liberty!” from jubilant crowds, represents a monumental shift for the troubled nation and its expatriates.
Gathering outside the popular El Arepazo restaurant, revelers draped themselves in Venezuelan flags, expressing a mix of excitement and hope for their homeland’s future. Alejandra Arrieta, a Venezuelan immigrant who arrived in the U.S. in 1997, articulated the emotions felt by many: “There’s fears. There’s excitement. There’s so many years that we’ve been waiting for this. Something had to happen in Venezuela. We all need the freedom.”
The military action marks the culmination of an intensified pressure campaign from the Trump administration, which has been strategizing this operation for weeks. The U.S. government has indicated it will assume temporary control over Venezuela, igniting a wave of optimism among the Venezuelan diaspora, estimated at approximately 8 million people who have fled since 2014.
Niurka Meléndez, who fled Venezuela in 2015, expressed her hope that Maduro’s ousting would lead to significant improvements back home. Meléndez, a co-founder of the group Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid, stated, “For us, it’s just the start of the justice we need to see.” She highlighted the dire humanitarian crisis faced by Venezuelans, citing forced displacements, repression, and hunger.
As the celebrations unfolded, many attendees reflected on the long journey that brought them to this moment. Doral, a Miami suburb known for its large Venezuelan community, has become a cultural hub where many have built new lives. The community is a blend of upper-middle-class professionals and lower-income newcomers, all united by their shared experiences of hardship and resilience.
The immediate future remains uncertain, with many questioning what comes next for Venezuela. Meléndez called for international humanitarian support as the nation seeks recovery. “Removing an authoritarian system responsible for these crimes creates the possibility, not a guarantee, but a possibility, for recovery,” she said.
As the international community watches closely, the implications of Maduro’s fall extend far beyond Venezuela’s borders. The ripple effects may impact diplomatic relations and economic policies across Latin America.
WHAT’S NEXT: As the dust settles, attention turns to the next steps for Venezuela and its people. Will the U.S. effectively manage the transition, and how will Venezuelans respond to this drastic change? The world awaits answers as the situation continues to evolve.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as this story develops.
