Residents in the lively Venezuelan community of Queens gathered to celebrate the recent capture of their country’s long-time leader.
In an area known as “Little Caracas,” which spans Roosevelt Avenue through several Spanish-speaking neighborhoods like Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and Corona, locals expressed that the arrest of former President Nicolas Maduro marked a significant turning point.
“This is incredible news! We’ve dealt with him for so long, over 26 years waiting for this,” said Eric Gonzalez, 41, a car salesman from Queens. He added that people are relieved to see the U.S. military take action against Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were flown to the U.S. to face numerous federal charges.
Originally from Maracaibo, Venezuela, Gonzalez left his home country in 2015, seeking better opportunities and protesting against Maduro’s regime. “Going back was always risky for me because of my stance. Anyone opposing him is in danger,” he remarked.
Gonzalez’s mother, who still lives in Venezuela, called him in tears, expressing what he described as “a moment of hope.” He recounted her words of disbelief and joy, stating, “We’ve been waiting for this for a long time, and you just never know.”
Dubin Flores, 19, a waiter at El Budare Cafe, shared how a celebration erupted among about 50 patrons in the cafe on the same day. “It was quite the party here yesterday. Lots of people came out to celebrate,” he said.
Flores, who immigrated around three years ago, now resides in Jackson Heights while his grandmother remains behind in Venezuela. “Folks are coming together not just from Venezuela but other countries as well. We’ve longed for this moment for 26 years,” he added. “There’s finally a sense of freedom in Venezuela.”
The operation to apprehend Maduro, 63, and Flores, 69, began late Friday night, initiated by a final order from President Trump for action against Venezuela.
Maduro was brought to New York on Saturday, facing federal charges after a convoluted journey involving various modes of transportation, ultimately ending up at Guantanamo Bay.
Federal prosecutors have accused him of orchestrating a “corrupt and illegitimate government” that for decades has been involved in illicit activities, particularly drug trafficking. They allege he collaborated with violent drug traffickers and narco-terrorists to transport over 250 tons of cocaine into the U.S. by 2020.
Maduro and Flores are currently detained at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, awaiting their arraignment in federal court on Monday.
