Venezuelan expatriates worldwide rejoiced on Saturday after the U.S.-led apprehension of President Nicolas Maduro, whose administration oversaw one of the largest mass migrations in recent history. In Chile’s capital, chants celebrating Maduro’s apprehension echoed through the streets as Venezuelan migrants gathered to express their elation.
“We are liberated. We are all thrilled that the dictatorship has collapsed, and we now have a free nation,” exclaimed Khaty Yanez, a Venezuelan residing in Chile for the past seven years. “My happiness knows no bounds,” echoed her compatriot Jose Gregorio. “After numerous years of struggle and hard work, today marks a significant milestone. Today is the day of liberation.”
According to the UN International Organization for Migration, since 2014, approximately 7.7 million Venezuelans, constituting 20% of the population, have fled the country due to economic hardships and the pursuit of better opportunities abroad. Colombia has welcomed the largest number of Venezuelan migrants, with around 2.8 million, followed by Peru with 1.7 million, as reported by the R4V platform, a coalition of regional NGOs supporting migrants and refugees from Venezuela established by the UN migration agency.
In Lima, Peru’s capital, scores of Venezuelans draped in their national flag assembled to commemorate Maduro’s capture. Venezuelan migrant Milagros Ortega, whose parents remain in Venezuela, expressed her desire to return, saying, “It is incredibly emotional to know that my father witnessed the downfall of Nicolas Maduro. I long to see his reaction.”
Peruvian President Jose Jeri announced that his government would facilitate the immediate repatriation of Venezuelans, irrespective of their immigration status. While the U.S. was once a safe haven for Venezuelans, during former President Donald Trump’s second term, many were stigmatized and compelled to seek sanctuary elsewhere.
In Spain, thousands congregated in central Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, applauding as they watched Trump’s live press conference. Later in the day, Venezuelan groups were expected to gather in Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, for celebratory gatherings.
Following the initial jubilation, concerns about Venezuela’s future began to surface among Venezuelans abroad, contemplating the fate of their homeland and its citizens. Andres Losada, a Spanish resident for three years among the 400,000 Venezuelans in the country according to official data, expressed mixed emotions of apprehension and joy regarding the Venezuelan situation.
Despite the challenges faced in Caracas, there is optimism for a brighter future, as expressed by Losada: “I believe that beyond the hardships in Caracas, there is a beacon guiding us towards freedom.” Venezuelan security forces patrolled the quiet streets of Caracas on Saturday morning, with most residents staying indoors, monitoring updates on their devices, while some ventured out to stock up on essentials in preparation for potential prolonged confinement.
Agustin Rodriguez, vice president of a Venezuelan cultural association in Spain, voiced concerns about the strikes but acknowledged their potential necessity to pave the way for a return to power alternation and a hopeful future for the country.