Venezuelan-Americans in Doral, Florida, expressed joy following the announcement of the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. Local leaders indicated that this moment symbolizes renewed hope for democracy after years of authoritarianism.
Doral, home to a significant Venezuelan population—nearly 40% of its residents—saw families who had fled oppressive regimes exude optimism about Venezuela’s future and broader stability in the region. One resident expressed gratitude toward President Trump and the military, proclaiming, “Because of them and their power, we are free. Long live freedom Venezuela!”
Another woman shared a poignant reflection, stating, “I’ve seen my father cry three times in my life.” She mentioned her father’s grief over the deaths of significant figures, underscoring the emotional weight of recent events. “I think it’s time to come here. It’s historic,” she added.
Doral’s Mayor Kristi Farga commented on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” noting that many residents had fled oppression seeking safety and freedom. “The people here are happy. We have a large immigrant community, mostly Venezuelans and Cubans, who have lived through these dictatorships basically their entire lives.”
Looking back on the past, Farga noted the recent outpouring of joy: “Yesterday, they felt that justice had been served. Many people were cheering and happy.” After nearly three decades of repression, people are beginning to see hope for their country, which has faced steep decline under the current regime.
The mayor recalled that some community members left Venezuela when Hugo Chávez rose to power in 1999, while others have arrived more recently as conditions deteriorated under Maduro. “This very rich country has had so many opportunities and resources, but its people have been deprived of it,” Farga said. “They came here for that opportunity for their kids.” She also mentioned the excitement among many who wish to return to Venezuela and help rebuild.
Farga expressed hope that Maduro’s removal could spark positive changes beyond Venezuela’s borders. “Hopefully this continues, and there will be ripples in Cuba and Nicaragua. We will start to see some stabilization in the Western Hemisphere,” she said.
