Doral, a vibrant hub for the Venezuelan community in the U.S., is buzzing with excitement these days. The city’s nickname, “Doralzuela,” reflects its deep roots and connection to Venezuela. Recently, with news of Nicolás Maduro’s arrest, many residents are elated. They see this moment as a beacon of hope for their homeland.
During a festive street gathering, locals waved Venezuelan flags and signs thanking President Trump. Alexander Guzmán, a retired salesman, shared his joy over the recent developments. “What he did is truly remarkable,” he exclaimed, reflecting the sentiments of many in the crowd.
At El Arepazo, a popular restaurant among the community, people gathered to watch news of Maduro facing charges related to drug trafficking. Liliana Ponce, an anthropologist who fled Venezuela in 2006, stated, “We’ve been waiting for this for over two decades. It feels like we’re getting our country back.”
Trump’s popularity in Doral has grown significantly, especially during the 2024 election when he secured about 60% of the vote. Analysts indicate that Trump’s strong stance against socialism resonated well with the roughly 40% of Doral’s population who are Venezuelan. “He’s the one who can make things happen,” said Rafael Pineyro, a Doral councilman originally from Caracas.
However, there’s a mix of hope and concern. Many in Doral support María Corina Machado, a prominent opposition leader. Yet, during a recent press conference, Trump downplayed her role, which raised eyebrows among some residents. “It’s vital she remains involved in the transition,” shared Maria Fanti, a real estate agent.
The community isn’t just focused on politics; there’s a real desire for healing in Venezuela. People like Francisco Perez dream of taking their children to visit family members still in Venezuela. “Maduro’s arrest brings us closer, but the country has a long way to go,” he remarked.
Recent statistics reveal that the Venezuelan diaspora in the U.S. has grown significantly over recent years. As of now, there are over 5 million Venezuelans living abroad, with many seeking refuge from the chaos back home. This growth mirrors the heightened need for change within Venezuela’s political landscape.
Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of patience, noting that the U.S. can’t expect immediate changes in Venezuela. “It’s a lengthy process,” he said, reminding everyone of the decades of political unrest their country has endured.
Meanwhile, some in Doral express mixed feelings about Trump’s earlier policies on immigration. Many were outraged when Temporary Protected Status was revoked for Venezuelans, leaving many vulnerable to deportation. Despite past frustrations, sentiments are shifting as Trump’s recent actions toward Venezuela are bringing hope.
Aurelia Romero, who came to the U.S. in 2014, is considering a return to Venezuela after years of separation from her childhood home. “The thought of reconnecting with my roots is becoming more real,” she said.
The future for Venezuela looks uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Doral community is hopeful and actively engaged in seeking change. The recent developments have reignited dreams of returning home and reuniting with lost relatives, breathing new life into their long-held hopes.
