UPDATE: In a shocking military operation, U.S. forces have successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, early on January 3, 2026. This dramatic development has sent ripples through the Venezuelan community in Philadelphia, where emotions are running high and responses are pouring in from local politicians.
The operation unfolded at a military base in Caracas, where Maduro was taken into custody amid reports of explosions and power outages in the capital. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with one local resident stating, “I was immediately scared… I did not think Caracas was going to get bombed.” Video footage showed smoke rising from the city, amplifying fears among families with loved ones in Venezuela.
Following the raid, former President Donald Trump announced plans to “run Venezuela” until a new government can be established. He emphasized intentions to overhaul the country’s oil infrastructure, hinting at significant economic motives. “We plan to sell large amounts of oil to other countries,” Trump stated from his Mar-a-Lago estate.
The implications of this operation are enormous. The U.S. government has long accused Maduro of being involved in drug trafficking and criminal enterprises. As tensions escalate, local organizations such as Casa de Venezuela Philadelphia are calling for peace and unity among the diaspora. Their joint statement urged the community to act with “serenity, caution, and a sense of collective responsibility” during this tumultuous time.
Reactions from politicians across the spectrum in Philadelphia have been swift. U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick declared that “Venezuela’s future belongs to the Venezuelan people alone,” criticizing Trump’s unilateral approach. Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker condemned the operation, stating it reflects a disregard for constitutional authority and risks further destabilizing the region.
The legal justification for the U.S. military’s actions remains unclear, raising questions about congressional authorization. U.S. Sen. Andy Kim criticized the administration for its lack of transparency, stating that the raid may isolate the U.S. from its international allies. “This strike doesn’t represent strength. It’s not sound foreign policy,” Kim argued.
As Venezuelans in Philadelphia grapple with the news, many are still coming to terms with the implications of this military intervention. The area’s Venezuelan population, estimated at around 7,000, is anxiously checking in on family members back home. Local restaurateur Arends shared, “There is so much uncertainty… It’s very difficult to just be happy without fearing what that might lead to.”
A vigil is scheduled for noon tomorrow at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, where the community will gather to reflect on the future of Venezuela amidst these unprecedented developments.
With U.S. military presence in South America increasing, the situation in Venezuela is evolving rapidly. The coming days will be critical as authorities and local leaders work to navigate this complex and volatile landscape. Stay tuned for further updates as the story develops.
