‘We Are Free’: Venezuelans Worldwide Celebrate Maduro’s Capture by US
Venezuelans across the globe have taken to the streets in celebration following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by United States authorities, an event that has triggered scenes of jubilation among communities at home and in the diaspora.
Maduro was reportedly flown out of Venezuela and indicted in the US on drug trafficking and weapons-related charges. News of his arrest sparked spontaneous gatherings in cities across Latin America, the United States and Europe, where celebrants sang, danced and waved Venezuelan and American flags.
For many Venezuelans abroad, the moment represents the end of years of hardship that forced them to flee their homeland. Venezuela has endured prolonged economic collapse marked by hyperinflation, widespread shortages of food and medicine, rising insecurity and gang violence.
According to the United Nations, more than eight million Venezuelans have left the country since 2014, creating one of the world’s largest displacement crises.
Despite possessing the world’s largest proven crude oil reserves, Venezuela has remained mired in political and economic turmoil throughout Maduro’s rule, a contrast repeatedly highlighted by critics of his government.
In Santiago, Chile, one celebrant described the moment as historic, saying the fall of what they called a dictatorship had finally arrived. “We are free and happy. This is the beginning of a future where Venezuela can be a free country again,” the protester said.
In Doral, Florida, home to a large Venezuelan community, another celebrant said the arrest symbolised justice for millions forced into exile. “We want to return home and rebuild Venezuela,” the person said.
US officials said Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were seized during an early-morning military operation in Caracas. Residents reported explosions, low-flying aircraft and smoke across parts of the capital as the operation unfolded.
US President Donald Trump later described the raid as a “brilliant operation,” praising the level of planning involved. He declined to immediately address whether Congress had been consulted prior to authorising the mission.
Washington has accused Maduro of leading a major drug trafficking network known as the Cartel de los Soles, which US authorities have designated a foreign terrorist organisation. Maduro has been under US indictment since 2020, accused of conspiring to traffic cocaine into the United States. Rewards for information leading to his arrest reportedly reached up to $50 million in 2025.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro would soon “face the full wrath of American justice,” adding that multiple weapons charges accompany the drug-related counts.
Reactions within Venezuela have been divided. While some citizens celebrated the development, Attorney General Tarek William Saab condemned the US operation, alleging civilian casualties and calling for calm. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded proof that Maduro and Flores were alive, raising concerns over their condition following the raid.
International responses have also been swift. Russia, a close ally of Venezuela, voiced concern and suggested the operation may have violated international law. A Russian foreign ministry spokesperson called for urgent clarification from Washington.
Maduro, who has ruled Venezuela since 2013 as leader of the United Socialist Party, has faced longstanding accusations of authoritarianism, election manipulation and mismanaging the economy.
His capture marks one of the most dramatic developments in Venezuela’s modern political history and has reshaped the mood among millions of Venezuelans worldwide.
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