Venezuelan Leader Maduro Overthrown in US-Backed Military Operation, Leaving Country in a State of Uncertainty.
In Doral, Florida, home to one of Donald Trump's golf resorts and a predominantly Venezuelan population, residents gathered on Saturday to celebrate the ousting of Nicolás Maduro's government. The American military operation that toppled the president's regime sparked jubilation among Venezuelans who have longed for change in their troubled homeland.
For many native Venezuelans, including Alejandra Arrieta, who has lived in the US since 1997, the event is a complex mix of emotions – fears about the future, excitement at finally seeing freedom, and hope that this marks the beginning of a new era. "We're like everybody — it's a combination of feelings, of course," Arrieta said. "There's fears. There's excitement. There's so many years that we've been waiting for this. Something had to happen in Venezuela. We all need the freedom."
As Maduro's government falls, nearly 8 million Venezuelans have fled their country since 2014, with many seeking refuge in neighboring countries and the US. In Doral, a melting pot of Venezuelans from various backgrounds – including upper-middle-class professionals, entrepreneurs, and lower-income workers – gathered to celebrate this historic moment.
Niurka Meléndez, who immigrated to New York City after fleeing Venezuela in 2015, expressed hope that Maduro's ouster will bring about positive change. She founded a group called Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid, which aims to empower the lives of immigrants like herself. Meléndez believes that American intervention could be the catalyst for reform in her homeland.
However, with Maduro gone, many are left wondering what comes next for Venezuela. The country is facing severe economic and humanitarian crises, including forced displacements, repression, hunger, and fear. As Meléndez put it, "Removing an authoritarian system responsible for these crimes creates the possibility, not a guarantee, but a possibility, for recovery."
In Doral, Florida, home to one of Donald Trump's golf resorts and a predominantly Venezuelan population, residents gathered on Saturday to celebrate the ousting of Nicolás Maduro's government. The American military operation that toppled the president's regime sparked jubilation among Venezuelans who have longed for change in their troubled homeland.
For many native Venezuelans, including Alejandra Arrieta, who has lived in the US since 1997, the event is a complex mix of emotions – fears about the future, excitement at finally seeing freedom, and hope that this marks the beginning of a new era. "We're like everybody — it's a combination of feelings, of course," Arrieta said. "There's fears. There's excitement. There's so many years that we've been waiting for this. Something had to happen in Venezuela. We all need the freedom."
As Maduro's government falls, nearly 8 million Venezuelans have fled their country since 2014, with many seeking refuge in neighboring countries and the US. In Doral, a melting pot of Venezuelans from various backgrounds – including upper-middle-class professionals, entrepreneurs, and lower-income workers – gathered to celebrate this historic moment.
Niurka Meléndez, who immigrated to New York City after fleeing Venezuela in 2015, expressed hope that Maduro's ouster will bring about positive change. She founded a group called Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid, which aims to empower the lives of immigrants like herself. Meléndez believes that American intervention could be the catalyst for reform in her homeland.
However, with Maduro gone, many are left wondering what comes next for Venezuela. The country is facing severe economic and humanitarian crises, including forced displacements, repression, hunger, and fear. As Meléndez put it, "Removing an authoritarian system responsible for these crimes creates the possibility, not a guarantee, but a possibility, for recovery."
! I mean, 8 million people had to flee their country cuz of Maduro's regime... that's a whole lotta people 
. But at the same time, its like, finally, some freedom and hope for those who are still living there 
. Its weird, cuz we're all feeling these mixed emotions - fear about what's next, excitement about change, but also hope that it could bring positive stuff to their country 
. And I feel bad for people like Niurka Meléndez, who had to go through all that and now has to navigate this new situation too 
. Anyways, its definitely an interesting time, and we'll have to see how things play out in Venezuela 
. At the same time, though, I'm also worried about what's gonna happen next 
there are so many people counting on Maduro being held accountable for all the human rights abuses and economic struggles he put them through.
. I'm glad Niurka Meléndez is out there fighting for immigrant rights and trying to bring about positive change 
. But, like, what's gonna happen with the economy? And who's gonna lead Venezuela into a brighter future? 
they've been through so much... economic crisis and all that... it's like, yay for freedom but what about the future? 
. I can only imagine how hard it must've been for Alejandra and Niurka to leave their homes behind, but at least they're finally going to see some hope 
.