Venezuelan Ex-Pats on the Upper West Side Express Hope for a Better Future After Maduro's Capture
In the aftermath of President Nicolás Maduro's capture, a sense of hope and anxiety swept through the Venezuelan expat community in New York City. At a community food and aid giveaway in St. Paul and St. Andrew United Methodist Church on the Upper West Side, many expressed optimism that the United States' intervention could mark a turning point for Venezuela.
For Héctor Arguinzones, an asylum recipient who has lived in the US for over a decade, Maduro's capture is a sign that the country's destiny now lies with the US. "If the US took this step, that means they now know the destiny of Venezuela is in their hands," he said.
While protests erupted across New York City and elsewhere, many at the church event welcomed the news, citing hopes for a better future for Venezuela. Elizabeth Rodriguez, an asylum-seeker who has lived in Upper Manhattan for the past year, was "overjoyed" by the news, saying it's "for our betterment, for a better future... for Venezuela to recover and return to being the Venezuela that we had more than 30 years ago."
Despite some backlash from fellow Venezuelans back home, many expats expressed similar sentiments of hope and relief. The fear of reprisal from the current regime is palpable, with relatives staying home on Saturday out of fear and facing long lines for basic necessities.
Niurka Meléndez, Arguinzones' wife, noted a growing polarization within the community, with some calling her a "Trumpist" after expressing support for Maduro's capture. However, others, like an immigrant from the Dominican Republic who voiced her support in Spanish, were quick to praise the US action.
As news of Maduro's capture spread, many Venezuelans around the world took to social media, sharing messages and photos of relief and hope. For Arguinzones, the news brought a sense of justice, thinking "justice finally came to Venezuela" when he learned of the US's involvement.
The community's reaction highlights a growing divide between those who welcome US intervention and those who are wary of the country's motives. As one thing becomes clear – the world is watching, and the future of Venezuela hangs in the balance.
In the aftermath of President Nicolás Maduro's capture, a sense of hope and anxiety swept through the Venezuelan expat community in New York City. At a community food and aid giveaway in St. Paul and St. Andrew United Methodist Church on the Upper West Side, many expressed optimism that the United States' intervention could mark a turning point for Venezuela.
For Héctor Arguinzones, an asylum recipient who has lived in the US for over a decade, Maduro's capture is a sign that the country's destiny now lies with the US. "If the US took this step, that means they now know the destiny of Venezuela is in their hands," he said.
While protests erupted across New York City and elsewhere, many at the church event welcomed the news, citing hopes for a better future for Venezuela. Elizabeth Rodriguez, an asylum-seeker who has lived in Upper Manhattan for the past year, was "overjoyed" by the news, saying it's "for our betterment, for a better future... for Venezuela to recover and return to being the Venezuela that we had more than 30 years ago."
Despite some backlash from fellow Venezuelans back home, many expats expressed similar sentiments of hope and relief. The fear of reprisal from the current regime is palpable, with relatives staying home on Saturday out of fear and facing long lines for basic necessities.
Niurka Meléndez, Arguinzones' wife, noted a growing polarization within the community, with some calling her a "Trumpist" after expressing support for Maduro's capture. However, others, like an immigrant from the Dominican Republic who voiced her support in Spanish, were quick to praise the US action.
As news of Maduro's capture spread, many Venezuelans around the world took to social media, sharing messages and photos of relief and hope. For Arguinzones, the news brought a sense of justice, thinking "justice finally came to Venezuela" when he learned of the US's involvement.
The community's reaction highlights a growing divide between those who welcome US intervention and those who are wary of the country's motives. As one thing becomes clear – the world is watching, and the future of Venezuela hangs in the balance.
THE FACT THAT THESE EX-PATS ARE STARTING TO SEE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL IS AMAZING. IT'S ABOUT TIME WE START TO TAKE ACTION AND HELP THEM OUT. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY SOME PEOPLE ARE AFRAID TO SPEAK UP OR SUPPORT THE US INTERVENTION, BUT IF IT MEANS VENEZUELA CAN GET BACK ON ITS FEET THEN I SAY LET'S DO IT!!! 
, i know some ppl r worried bout reprisal but idk if it's worth staying silent about, we gotta believe that good things are coming 
, Maduro's capture is a sign of hope for Venezuela and its ppl, let's keep our fingers crossed that US intervention can bring positive change 
. I hope the US can help them, but what if it just makes things worse? My friend Emma's cousin is from Venezuela and she's always saying how sad and scary things are there now. It would be amazing if they could get some aid and support to make their lives easier.
. I just hope that whatever happens next, it's for the best. Maybe this will bring about real change and not just more chaos. Fingers crossed! 
. It's about time someone took action to bring an end to the chaos and corruption that has plagued Venezuela for years. I mean, can you blame them for wanting a change of pace? The US intervention may not be perfect, but it's a start.
. You've got some folks who are all about supporting Maduro and his regime, while others are like Elizabeth Rodriguez, advocating for a better future. It's like we're seeing echoes of our own domestic debates about healthcare and foreign policy.
. The US has been trying to establish itself as a leader on the global stage, but it's hard to shake off the feeling that their motives are suspect. Are they really looking out for Venezuela's best interests, or is this just another example of the "Biden Doctrine" in action? 
! i mean Maduro's been a total disaster for years and it's time for change. as a venezuelan expat myself, i can totally relate to the fear of reprisal and the anxiety that comes with living in limbo 
. I'm thinking back to when trump was first elected in 2016 and people thought he'd ruin everything 
. but somehow he managed to get things done and it's like that's what's gonna happen with venezuela too 
. of course there are still going to be challenges, but at least now we have a fighting chance 
. Like, we've been hearing this one thing for years - "help is on the way" - and yet Venezuela still hasn't figured out how to fix its own stuff 
. I'm not saying it's not a step in the right direction, but can we please just get some real leadership instead of just another bunch of folks trying to capitalize off the situation?