UPDATE: Major celebrations erupt among Venezuelan communities in Southern California following a significant U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro early Saturday. As news of the strikes spread, businesses like Pepiteria +55 in Gardena were flooded with customers celebrating what many see as a long-awaited step toward liberty for Venezuela.
Maria Rondon, owner of the popular eatery, exclaimed, “We are happy, what we dreamt and longed for, for so many years, has been the liberty of Venezuela.” The U.S. military conducted the operation in Caracas overnight Friday, marking a dramatic escalation in efforts against Maduro, who faces federal charges in the United States for allegedly running a drug cartel.
In a televised address, President Donald Trump confirmed the military actions and declared that the U.S. would oversee a transition of power in Venezuela. He stated, “We want peace, liberty, and justice for the great people of Venezuela.” This momentous announcement has ignited both joy and uncertainty within the Venezuelan diaspora.
However, the mood is not universally celebratory. Protests erupted across Southern California, organized by local activist groups such as Union del Barrio and CodePink. Demonstrators criticized the U.S. military action, arguing that it infringes on Venezuela’s sovereignty. “We are denouncing the U.S. attack,” said an activist during a protest in Los Angeles.
California lawmakers have also weighed in, with both Democratic senators condemning the military action. Senator Alex Padilla labeled it “unlawful without approval from Congress,” while Adam Schiff expressed concerns about the implications for U.S. foreign policy. In contrast, Republican representatives like Young Kim voiced support, calling Maduro a “brutal dictator.”
In Gardena, Rondon’s family remains in Venezuela but lives far from the bombings. “We’re still afraid to leave right now, but we’re all celebrating at home,” she shared. The emotional outpouring extends to other restaurants, such as Chamo Venezuelan Cuisine in Pasadena, where owner Jessica Baker noted, “No one has slept. This is a very emotional time.”
As the news unfolded, many Venezuelans expressed a mix of hope and anxiety. Norah Briceno, a Laguna Beach resident, described the atmosphere as “super happy” yet filled with uncertainty about the future. “We have hope,” she said, reflecting the sentiments of many who have family members still in Venezuela.
The operation marks a pivotal moment, with reports indicating that Trump intends to take control of Venezuela’s oil fields and oversee the nation’s resources in the wake of the military action. Secretary of State Marco Rubio elaborated that the U.S. had planned the operation meticulously, postponing it until optimal conditions were met.
As celebrations continue, Venezuelans are eager to witness what comes next. Rondon expressed, “We really hope that they rebuild Venezuela to how it used to be.” The emotional weight of the situation is palpable, with many viewing this moment as a turning point after years of suffering under Maduro’s rule.
While the future remains uncertain, the events of January 3, 2025, are being marked as a historic day for Venezuelans everywhere. “For the first time in 30 years, we have a glimpse of hope,” Baker declared, encapsulating the feelings of a community long affected by turmoil.
With protests and celebrations unfolding concurrently, the global community watches closely as the situation in Venezuela develops, hoping for a peaceful resolution and a brighter future for its citizens.
