The capture of Maduro has reopened hopes that thousands of migrants may be able to return to Venezuela. The people celebrated the transition and thanked Trump for his work in the Latin American country.
Celebrations continued across South Florida on Sunday night as Venezuelans with deep ties to the region marked the capture of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, an event many described as historic and deeply emotional.
Maduro’s capture rekindles migrants’ hopes of returning to Venezuela
Although the crowd was smaller and calmer than the spontaneous gatherings seen the night before, the sense of relief and disbelief remained palpable. Venezuelan, Colombian, Cuban, and other Latin American flags waved as people gathered to share what many called news they had waited decades to hear.
Maduro’s capture unfolded amid intense scenes in Caracas, including heavy gunfire and the presence of helicopters over the capital. Those images reverberated far beyond Venezuela’s borders, rattling families watching from abroad. Kelly Rojas said her relatives in Venezuela called her in shock as the events unfolded in real time, trying to understand what was happening as the operation progressed.
Community leaders in South Florida emphasized that the moment could carry broader regional significance. Maria Teresa Moreno, director of the political organization Vente Miami, said the developments in Venezuela could signal wider change across Latin America. She argued that the fall of Maduro’s leadership may inspire hope in other countries affected by authoritarian governments, including Nicaragua and Cuba, and could reshape political dynamics across the region.
For many Venezuelans living in South Florida, the events of Saturday also revived long-held dreams of one day returning to their homeland. Years of exile, separation from family, and political uncertainty have defined their lives abroad. The news of Maduro’s capture reopened conversations about rebuilding, reconciliation, and the possibility of a future back in the country.
As celebrations continued, many acknowledged that significant challenges still lie ahead. Yet for one night, at least, Venezuelans in South Florida allowed themselves to celebrate what they see as a turning point — a moment they once thought might never come.
