UPDATE: Celebrations erupted in Doral, Florida, as news broke that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been captured by U.S. military forces, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. Revelers gathered Saturday outside the El Arepazo restaurant, waving Venezuelan flags and chanting “Liberty! Liberty! Liberty!” as they processed the shocking news.
The jubilant atmosphere in Doral, a Miami suburb home to a large Venezuelan community, reflected years of longing for change among Venezuelan Americans. Locals expressed mixed emotions of excitement and uncertainty about what this development means for their homeland. “We’re like everybody — it’s a combination of feelings,” said Alejandra Arrieta, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1997. “There’s fears. There’s excitement. We all need the freedom.”
Former President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. government would temporarily oversee Venezuelan operations post-capture, a culmination of a sustained pressure campaign against Maduro’s regime. The military action comes as approximately 8 million Venezuelans have fled their country since 2014, seeking refuge from a humanitarian crisis fueled by repression, hunger, and fear.
As the news spread, Doral transformed into a hub of hope. Many immigrants, including Niurka Meléndez, who fled Venezuela in 2015, believe that Maduro’s ouster could usher in a new era for Venezuela. “For us, it’s just the start of the justice we need to see,” Meléndez stated in a phone interview. She co-founded Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid, advocating for her compatriots suffering under the Maduro regime.
Local residents are now left to ponder the implications of this military action. Many Venezuelans in the U.S. are naturalized citizens, while others remain undocumented or are in the country on temporary status. The community’s resilience shines as they gather to discuss the future of Venezuela, with hopes pinned on international support and recovery efforts.
The capture of Maduro represents a potential turning point, but many are aware of the challenges that lie ahead. “Removing an authoritarian system creates the possibility for recovery,” Meléndez added, emphasizing the need for justice, democratic safeguards, and rebuilding efforts in Venezuela.
As this situation continues to unfold, Venezuelans in Doral stand united—celebrating a moment they’ve long anticipated while also grappling with the uncertainty of what comes next for their homeland and its future. The event serves as a reminder of the profound human impact of political change, as families and friends remain connected to their roots, hoping for a brighter tomorrow.
Stay tuned as we bring you the latest developments on this evolving story.
