Protesters Clash Outside Federal Blockade in Brooklyn Over Maduro’s Arrest
On Sunday, clashes erupted as protesters supporting Nicolas Maduro confronted a group of Venezuelans celebrating his arrest. The latter described the pro-Maduro demonstrators as “idiots” who, apparently, had no grasp of the situation.
Some Venezuelans gathered at the Metropolitan Detention Center, intending to capture photos and videos for their loved ones back home. They aimed to document the milestone of their long-time dictator finally being taken into custody.
Karla Garzon, a 36-year-old tourism worker from Venezuela, shared her experience with friends during a phone call while giving them a virtual tour of the maximum-security prison.
“We’ve been waiting for this for 25 years. Now we’re seeing it. It’s unbelievable,” she expressed.
Cynthia Davila, another Venezuelan, shouted into the detention center, “Maduro, son of Abuk!” She dismissed the pro-Maduro crowd by saying, “These people are not from my country. They don’t know about my country.”
U.S. forces arrested President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, early Saturday morning in Caracas, following authorization from President Trump. They are set to face a range of federal charges in New York City, including drug trafficking.
About 130 supporters gathered outside the MDC to demand Maduro’s release, many of whom had previously been seen at anti-Israel demonstrations held at various Ivy League universities.
Some of these protesters donned keffiyehs and masks, promoting slogans related to “Palestine” while distributing professionally printed placards to rally more support.
One protester declared, “The most dangerous person in the world today is Donald Trump and America!” Nearby, a small group of Venezuelan immigrants reacted with disbelief.
A 47-year-old woman from Caracas, known only as Magdalys, remarked, “These people don’t know what they’re talking about. They don’t understand what Maduro has done.”
Another Venezuelan, Manuel, 38, referred to the counter-protesters as “stupid,” adding that they were clueless about Maduro’s actions. “I don’t know why they’re here. They’re just weird and stupid,” he said.
Garzon emphasized the hardships faced by many who opposed Maduro. “How many people disappeared? So many people sent to prison for speaking out against him. Students have been killed in protests,” she recounted.
Cars passing by the blockade honked their horns and waved Venezuelan flags in celebration of Maduro’s arrest, encapsulating a mixture of emotions among the gathered Venezuelans. Hernán, 52, from Valencia, expressed his excitement, saying, “We’re all celebrating. I haven’t slept a wink since I heard.”
Maduro and Flores were moved to a federal facility under strict security and are scheduled to be arraigned on Monday.
Meanwhile, President Trump mentioned that the U.S. would temporarily “administer” Venezuela, but uncertainty looms over the country’s future—especially as Vice President Maduro seems to have assumed control.
Davila, present with her two young children, reflected on the complex emotions surrounding the event. “I feel joy, but I also feel fear. There are still a lot of bad people in Venezuela who can do a lot of harm,” she said.
