UPDATE: Venezuelan Americans erupted in celebration in Doral, Florida, as news broke that President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and removed from power. Revelers gathered outside the El Arepazo restaurant on Saturday, chanting “Liberty! Liberty! Liberty!” in a powerful show of hope for their homeland. This dramatic turn comes after years of hardship under Maduro’s regime, which has driven nearly 8 million citizens to flee Venezuela since 2014.
The rally in Doral—a Miami suburb with a significant Venezuelan population—reflects a deep yearning for change. One participant, Alejandra Arrieta, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1997, expressed mixed emotions, stating, “There’s fears. There’s excitement. We’ve been waiting for this. We all need the freedom.” As news of the military intervention spread, attendees draped Venezuelan flags over their shoulders, celebrating what they hope will be a new beginning for their nation.
Former President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. government would oversee Venezuela’s interim leadership, marking a pivotal moment in U.S.-Venezuelan relations. This intervention follows a sustained pressure campaign by the Trump administration aimed at destabilizing Maduro’s grip on power. The operation was meticulously planned, tracking Maduro’s movements and habits to ensure a successful outcome.
The emotional gathering underscored the plight of Venezuelans who have suffered under a regime marked by repression, hunger, and fear. Niurka Meléndez, who fled Venezuela in 2015, expressed hope that Maduro’s ouster might pave the way for recovery. “This is just the start of the justice we need to see,” she said in a phone interview. Meléndez has become a strong advocate for Venezuelan immigrants, working to empower lives through her organization, Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid.
The Venezuelan diaspora in the U.S. has seen a significant shift over the years, transitioning from upper-middle-class professionals to an influx of lower-income immigrants seeking asylum. These individuals include doctors, lawyers, and construction workers, all of whom have left behind their homes in search of safety and opportunity.
As the community celebrates this potential turning point, the future of Venezuela remains uncertain. Meléndez emphasized the need for international humanitarian support to assist in the recovery of her country. “Removing an authoritarian system responsible for these crimes creates the possibility for recovery,” she stated, highlighting the importance of rebuilding Venezuela on foundations of justice and democratic values.
What happens next in Venezuela is critical, with many looking to the international community for support in the aftermath of this historic moment. The path ahead is fraught with challenges, but for now, Venezuelan Americans in Florida are united in their optimism and hope for a brighter future.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
