DORAL, Fla. — The streets of Doral, a vibrant community in Florida known for its significant Venezuelan population, echoed with chants of Liberty on a recent Saturday. As revelers donned the Venezuelan flag in celebration, news spread that Nicolás Maduro's government had been toppled by a military intervention, an outcome long-awaited by many Venezuelans abroad.
Gathered outside the El Arepazo restaurant, a cultural staple, attendees reflected on overwhelming emotions of hope and apprehension. Alejandra Arrieta, who fled Venezuela in 1997, expressed a sentiment shared by many: We’re like everybody — it’s a combination of feelings, of course. There’s fears. There’s excitement. Something had to happen in Venezuela. We all need the freedom.
Displaced citizens, who have endured a humanitarian crisis back home, hope that this pivotal moment may signal a transformation. Niurka Meléndez, who escaped in 2015, has dedicated her efforts to empower fellow Venezuelans and remains optimistic that Maduro's removal will usher in a new era. For us, it’s just the start of the justice we need to see, Meléndez stated. She echoed concerns about widespread repression and urged for international humanitarian aid to rebuild the ravaged nation.
Trump's administration has explicitly stated intentions to manage Venezuela temporarily, a decision that has provoked significant discussion within the Venezuelan and international communities. Amid uncertainty about the future of Venezuela, expatriates like Meléndez emphasize the necessity of international support to foster recovery.
As the country faces the aftermath of years of repression, the Venezuelan diaspora stands resilient, united by a common goal: to rebuild their homeland founded on justice and democracy.
