UPDATE: Venezuelan Americans erupted in celebration in Doral, Florida, following the stunning capture of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. military forces, marking a pivotal moment in the long struggle against his regime. Just hours ago, news broke that Maduro was ousted and removed from the country, igniting a wave of jubilant chants of “Liberty!” across the community.
At a rally outside the popular El Arepazo restaurant, a cultural hub for Venezuelan expatriates, crowds draped themselves in Venezuelan flags, their spirits high as they expressed a mixture of joy and apprehension about the future of their homeland. Alejandra Arrieta, a Venezuelan immigrant since 1997, shared her emotions, stating, “There’s fears. There’s excitement. We’ve been waiting for this moment for so long. We all need the freedom.”
The U.S. government, as confirmed by Donald Trump, is preparing to take temporary control of Venezuela, following a strategic pressure campaign aimed at Maduro’s regime. The American intervention comes as an estimated 8 million people have fled Venezuela since 2014, escaping a humanitarian crisis that has seen countless families torn apart.
In Doral, a suburb with a large Venezuelan population, the atmosphere was electric as residents reflected on their hopes for a new beginning. Niurka Meléndez, who fled Venezuela in 2015, voiced optimism about the future. “For us, it’s just the start of the justice we need to see,” she said in a phone interview. Meléndez, who co-founded a group to empower immigrants, emphasized the urgent need for international humanitarian support to aid Venezuela’s recovery.
The immediate impact of Maduro’s ouster remains to be seen, but many Venezuelans in the U.S. express hope that this change could signal an end to years of suffering under authoritarian rule. “Removing an authoritarian system creates the possibility for recovery,” Meléndez added, highlighting that while this is not a guaranteed solution, it is a critical step towards rebuilding her country.
As the celebrations continue in Doral, the focus shifts to what happens next in Venezuela. With the U.S. poised to influence the country’s governance, the international community watches closely, awaiting further developments that could reshape the future of millions.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds. The implications of Maduro’s capture extend beyond borders, resonating deeply with Venezuelans and international observers alike.
