UPDATE: A massive military operation conducted by the U.S. has targeted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, leading to an emotional response from Venezuelan communities across Southern California. Reports confirm that the operation, which began overnight on January 3, 2023, resulted in Maduro’s capture, igniting celebrations at local businesses and protests against U.S. intervention.
At Pepiteria +55 in Gardena, owner Maria Rondón expressed joy as customers flocked to enjoy traditional Venezuelan empanadas. “We are happy, what we dreamt and longed for, for so many years, has been the liberty of Venezuela,” Rondón said. The eatery buzzed with excitement as diners celebrated the news, which has been long anticipated by the Venezuelan diaspora.
In a dramatic escalation of U.S. military involvement, U.S. forces executed a series of strikes against key locations in Caracas, aiming to disrupt Maduro’s regime and address ongoing drug trafficking issues linked to his administration. Maduro, who faces multiple indictments in the U.S., was reportedly removed from his home during the operation and is now expected to be transported to New York to face charges.
As Venezuelans celebrated, not all responses were positive. Activist groups quickly organized protests in Los Angeles and Rancho Cucamonga. Organizations like CodePink denounced the U.S. military action, arguing it undermines democracy and risks further destabilization in the region. Local lawmakers, including Senator Alex Padilla, criticized the military actions, stating, “Trump’s military action in Venezuela is unlawful without approval from Congress.”
While some expressed relief, others expressed deep concern for family still residing in Venezuela. Rondón shared that while her family is safe in a different state, they remain fearful of the violence. “We really hope that they rebuild Venezuela to how it used to be,” she said.
At Chamo Venezuelan Cuisine in Pasadena, owner Jessica Baker reflected on the emotional weight of the moment. “We’ve laughed, we’ve cried,” she said, noting that the restaurant was filled with patrons celebrating the news. Baker acknowledged the uncertainty ahead but emphasized the importance of the current moment, stating, “This is a very emotional time… it’s something that we’ve been waiting for, for 30 years.”
Venezuelans in the U.S. are closely monitoring the developments, with many hoping for a future led by opposition leader María Corina Machado. “A woman can be president and be so successful,” said Pilar Corff, a Venezuelan expatriate now living in Laguna Woods.
In a press conference, President Donald Trump affirmed the U.S. commitment to overseeing Venezuela’s transition, stating, “We want peace, liberty, and justice for the great people of Venezuela.” He also highlighted the U.S.’s efforts to combat drug trafficking, asserting that previous strikes had significantly reduced drug flow from Venezuela.
As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear what will happen next. Families in Venezuela are sheltering in place, fearful yet hopeful for a brighter future. The emotional response from the Venezuelan community in Southern California underscores the deep connections many maintain with their homeland and the ongoing impact of the political turmoil.
Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.
