UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, the U.S. military launched a significant operation in Venezuela overnight, targeting the regime of President Nicolás Maduro. This operation has ignited celebrations among Venezuelan communities in Southern California, as many express hope for the future of their homeland.
At Pepiteria +55 in Gardena, owner Maria Rondón reported a surge in customers celebrating the U.S. strike. “We are happy, what we dreamt and longed for, for so many years, has been the liberty of Venezuela,” she said, reflecting the jubilation felt by many. The celebration follows months of escalating tensions, including U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats and sanctions against Venezuelan oil.
The military operation, which occurred late Friday into early Saturday, resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife, who were reportedly taken from their home and transported to New York to face federal charges related to drug trafficking. “After we were just shocked because we couldn’t believe what was happening,” Rondón shared, emphasizing the emotional weight of the moment.
Meanwhile, protests erupted across Southern California. Activist groups, including Union del Barrio and CodePink, quickly organized demonstrations in cities like Los Angeles and Rancho Cucamonga, condemning the U.S. military action. Critics, including California Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, expressed outrage over the lack of Congressional approval for the strikes, labeling them unlawful and detrimental to U.S. standing globally.
Conversely, some officials, like Rep. Young Kim, voiced support for the military action, describing Maduro as a “brutal dictator” responsible for the suffering of countless Venezuelans. “Maduro was a brutal dictator and indicted narco-terrorist responsible for flooding our country with deadly drugs,” Kim stated.
In Pasadena, Chamo Venezuelan Cuisine was filled with patrons celebrating the news. Owner Jessica Baker described the atmosphere as emotional, stating, “It’s the first step. We’re here and we’ll continue to be here.” Baker, who has been in the community for eight years, shared that many Venezuelans were in disbelief and had been glued to their screens overnight, eager for updates.
As reactions pour in, the community remains on edge, hopeful yet uncertain about what comes next. “We really hope that they rebuild Venezuela to how it used to be,” Rondón added. The sentiment resonates deeply among Venezuelans, many of whom have family back home still living in fear.
Local resident Norah Briceno, 56, emphasized the collective joy and relief felt among Venezuelans. “Everybody was happy. There’s uncertainty of what’s going to happen next. But for now, they are super happy,” she said, reflecting the mixed emotions felt throughout the community.
As celebrations continue, the implications of the U.S. operation remain unclear. President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. would oversee Venezuela until a “judicious” transfer of power occurs. He also mentioned the U.S. taking control of the country’s oil fields, aiming to end the longstanding turmoil.
For many, January 3, 2023, marks a historic day. The emotional weight of this moment is profound, with celebrations echoing not just in Southern California but across the globe. Venezuelans everywhere are uniting in hope for a future free from the oppression they have endured for decades.
The situation in Venezuela remains fluid and dynamic, with the community eager to see what happens next. For now, the sense of liberation is palpable, with many Venezuelans finally feeling a breath of hope after years of struggle.
