Celebrations Erupt Following Capture of Venezuelan Leader Nicolas Maduro

Venezuelans living abroad celebrated in the streets after the U.S. captured Nicolas Maduro, the socialist leader of Venezuela.

Starting early Saturday, crowds gathered in cities like Doral, Florida, which has a large Venezuelan population. They expressed their support for the Trump administration’s decisive action against Maduro, who is facing serious accusations of leading the Sunshine Cartel and flooding the nation with cocaine.

“Long live Venezuela Libre!” shouted a man waving a flag, while passing by a bustling arepa shop that had been packed with supporters since the early hours.

In Doral, people danced and honked car horns, reveling in what they felt was a historic moment. Marianis Milano, 45, struggled to contain her emotions, wiping away tears as she expressed her joy and disbelief. “I feel so happy,” she said, mentioning how she hadn’t slept well, anxiously reaching out to loved ones in Venezuela.

“The good thing is that we got rid of Maduro,” reflected Abner Marquez, 27, adding that the focus now should be on Venezuela’s new government. “I think we need to see who is in charge next.”

President Trump indicated that the U.S. would oversee Venezuela until a legitimate government transition could happen. Meanwhile, Delcy Rodriguez, a Maduro appointee, has reportedly been named interim president.

“I don’t really know what will happen next, but I think this is just the beginning,” said Tivisai Mejia, 51, an immigrant since 2015.

Jesús Naranjo, who left Venezuela in 1998, expressed his support for Trump’s actions, noting that while he may not agree with everything else Trump does, he respected the courage shown in this situation.

In New York City’s Queens borough, supporters also gathered at Budare Cafe in Jackson Heights. Sebastian Sánchez, 26, wore a Venezuelan flag and celebrated with traditional food. “Today is a very special day,” he said, feeling fortunate to live in the U.S. and yearning for a brighter future for Venezuela.

Celebrations even spread to Santiago, Chile, where people expressed joy over what they see as the end of a dictatorship. “We are free,” shouted Kati Yanez, a Venezuelan who has lived in Chile for seven years.

In Lima, Peru, Milagros Ortega felt emotional, reflecting on her father’s reaction to Maduro’s fall. She shared her wish to see her family soon and return home. Meanwhile, Cynthia Diaz, rallied in Quito, Ecuador, stated, “For those of us living in exile, this is immense joy. We will return to Venezuela, to the great country of Venezuela.”

Venezuelans in Panama also gathered to celebrate, adorned in flags and masks of President Trump.