Recently, millions of Venezuelans around the world received shocking news: President Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. forces during a nighttime operation. This event surprised many and stirred a mix of emotions for Venezuelans, especially those living abroad.
Since 2015, over eight million Venezuelans have left their country due to a dire economic and political crisis. Among them is Adolfo Marquez, a 36-year-old from Caracas. He left because, as a criminal lawyer, he had a case against Maduro and felt his life was in danger. Adolfo has made a new home in Salford, England, where he is raising his family.
When he heard the news, Adolfo described it as an “emotional rollercoaster.” The feeling of hope was intertwined with fear for those still in Venezuela. Many Venezuelans who contacted Adolfo reported increased police scrutiny, where officers checked phones for any sign of support for the U.S. operation. Those caught with evidence faced harsh choices—paying a ransom or facing jail time.
Despite the turmoil, Adolfo is hopeful. He noted recent changes, including the release of political prisoners, as positive signs. He stated, “We understand that there’s a price, but it’s worth it to save lives.” U.S. President Donald Trump has mentioned wanting to take oil from Venezuela, which has the largest proven reserves, and promised to assist in rebuilding the country. Adolfo added, “We can see a light—before it was just darkness.”
Helena Diez, 55, who also lives in Salford, echoed his sentiments. Hailing from the Andes region of Venezuela, she spoke about the extreme poverty faced by those still in the country. Basic necessities often go unmet, and electricity is frequently cut off for hours. Helena shared that families spend about £375 a month to meet their basic needs, while the average salary hovers around £120. She has seen people die from starvation and lack of medicine.
Helena is keen to aid her homeland, but she emphasizes the need for international support. “Feeling free and safe in the UK is a huge deal,” she said. Yet, she remains aware that true change in Venezuela will take time. The recent events, while promising, are just the beginning of a long journey toward recovery for her homeland.
Another voice, Roger Munoz, has lived in the UK since 2015. He left Venezuela, where he faced a repressive regime that monitored daily activities. Roger recounted how his father died due to lack of medical supplies. Hearing about Maduro’s capture filled him with relief and hope for the future: “It was one of the happiest moments of my life. I can see a time when I might return and feel safe.”
The general sentiment among Venezuelans abroad seems to be one of cautious optimism. Many support the actions taken by foreign governments but worry about the ramifications of military intervention. Protests have erupted globally, denouncing U.S. military actions. Some groups argue that such intervention could worsen the situation in Venezuela, while others view it as a necessary step toward freedom.
As a community, Venezuelans are rallying together, both abroad and at home. The international response to this critical moment could lead to a brighter future or deeper conflict, depending on how governments handle the situation moving forward. Overall, Venezuelans everywhere are holding onto hope, waiting for the day they can return to a better homeland.
