SAN ANTONIO, Texas
While many Venezuelan expatriates celebrated the U.S. capture of Nicolas Maduro, a small group of socialists in San Antonio protested the operation, labeling it “illegal” and a “war crime.” Members of the Party of Socialism and Liberation (PSL) gathered to voice strong opposition to U.S. military actions that led to Maduro’s removal from power.
The protesters, mostly white and Hispanic, expressed their frustration with President Donald Trump’s decisions. This stood in stark contrast to the celebrations among thousands of Venezuelan expatriates nationwide. During their demonstration, PSL members chanted slogans and marched for several hours around an intersection that had previously been the site of a protest against a law enforcement raid that resulted in the arrest of 51 members of the violent Venezuelan gang, Torren de Aragua.
Recently, the San Antonio PSL has shifted its focus from protests supporting Hamas during the Gaza conflict to opposing federal law enforcement actions targeting Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang and voicing support for Maduro, who is currently in custody. In recent weeks, the PSL has criticized U.S. military efforts against narcotics traffickers in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, labeling these initiatives as “openly piracy.”
Shortly after news broke of Maduro’s arrest, the PSL disseminated protest leaflets on social media containing messages such as, “No war on Venezuela, stop bombing!” A specific post claimed that the Trump administration had launched “illegal bombing of Caracas” and referred to the actions as a war crime.
Despite San Antonio’s sizable population of 1.5 million, the protest drew only a handful of participants. Nevertheless, they received support from the city’s progressive mayor, Gina Ortiz Jones.
In a statement, Ortiz criticized the military actions leading to Maduro’s quick arrest and transfer to the U.S. She issued a social media post expressing concern about the lack of congressional oversight regarding the U.S. government’s intentions toward Venezuela.
The detention of Nicolás Maduro and the intention to “execute” future actions against Venezuela raise serious questions about how national security decisions are being made.
Having served in the Iraq War, I recognize that poorly planned military operations can risk American lives and squander resources. I sincerely hope our leaders are considering the consequences of these significant actions. We cannot afford another reckless regime change adventure.
