January 3, 2026, marked a historic turning point for Venezuela and its diaspora. The US “Absolute Resolve” operation resulted in the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro by American special forces at the Fuerte Tiuna military complex in Caracas. The operation lasted less than 30 minutes, and Maduro, along with his family, was transferred to the US.
Venezuelans worldwide reacted in diverse ways. In US cities, especially in Florida’s Doral and Weston, mass celebrations erupted: people gathered at local restaurants, sang national anthems, drew posters, and danced. Similar scenes took place in Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Spain—the latter home to Europe’s largest Venezuelan community. Joyful crowds expressed hopes to return home and embraced fellow countrymen.
Within Venezuela, however, fear of repression kept many indoors, and the streets remained mostly quiet. Maduro supporters protested near the presidential palace, expressing anger at US actions. The international community was divided: Latin American countries, the European Union and the US voiced varying opinions regarding the operation’s legitimacy.
This event became symbolic for Venezuelans who have spent decades in exile, highlighting a deep divide both at home and abroad. The future of Venezuelan democracy and genuine transformation, however, remains uncertain.
