US Military Captures Nicolás Maduro; Moves to Control Venezuela Spur Mixed Reactions in Florida
Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by the U.S. military and transported to a court date in New York City. The United States announced it would temporarily assume control over Venezuela and have American businesses operate the country's oil infrastructure.
This action prompted celebrations in Doral, Florida, a Miami suburb with a Venezuelan population estimate of up to 40%, particularly around El Arepazo restaurant. Venezuelan diaspora entrepreneurs perceive the situation as an opportunity for economic engagement and potential reconstruction initiatives in Venezuela.
In response to the ouster, President Trump warned of the possibility of a second, larger military attack if opponents resist. He also sidelined opposition figure Maria Corina Machado from guiding Venezuela's post-Maduro transition, favoring a U.S.-run administration instead.
Experts cautioned that the U.S. move might accelerate deportations and undermine protections for Venezuelan migrants in the United States. In October, the Supreme Court upheld the removal of immigration protections for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans, which complicated asylum and temporary protected status (TPS) considerations.
Political reactions in Florida were sharply divided. Republican Carlos Gimenez praised the ouster as a positive step, while Democrat Maxwell Frost condemned the action as illegal and dangerous, criticizing the absence of TPS relief for Venezuelan migrants.
