Venezuelans in the U.S. Express Mixed Emotions Following Maduro's Ouster

Mon Jan 12 2026 11:59:27 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Following the removal of Nicolás Maduro by the Trump administration, Venezuelan migrants in the U.S. share their complex feelings of relief, anxiety, and uncertainty about their future and that of their homeland.

The recent ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a military raid has generated intense reactions among the 770,000 Venezuelans residing in the U.S. While many express relief and gratitude for the change, a prevailing fear remains due to the stability of the regime that succeeded him. Reports indicate a hesitance among migrants regarding returning to Venezuela given the current political climate, despite the historical significance of Maduro’s removal.

NEW YORK (FlashPoint) — In the aftermath of the Trump administration's late-night military operation that ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, many Venezuelan migrants in the U.S. are experiencing a whirlwind of emotions. Alejandra Salima, an advocate for Venezuelan migrants, expressed the complicated feelings shared by her peers: The removal of Maduro is a first step, but we're nervous.

Salima, who fled to the U.S. three years ago with her son, fears returning due to the remnants of Maduro's regime still in power. Similarly, reactions among the more than 770,000 Venezuelans residing in the U.S. reflect a blend of joy for Maduro's ousting enriched by concerns about the future.

Many feel hope in the wake of Maduro's departure, describing joy and gratitude toward the U.S. administration for the change. Yet, as they reflect on the ongoing instability, many acknowledge their reluctance to return to Venezuela. Trump’s recent moves to deport Venezuelans lacking permanent residency have intensified these worries. Many individuals had their Temporary Protected Status revoked earlier this year, leading to uncertainties about their futures.

Manuel Coronel, a Venezuelan lawyer now living near Salt Lake City, articulated this duality, stating: They got him, but the criminals are still there. There’s no new government; everything’s exactly the same.

Focus group discussions and personal interviews with Venezuelans across various U.S. communities indicate a prevailing sentiment of caution. José Luis Rojas, a Venezuelan immigrant in New York, relayed his observations post-Maduro's removal, noting a reluctance to rush back despite hopeful changes. He stated, Thank God we’re here, reflecting the sense of security for many who fled a tumultuous environment.

Amidst jubilant rallies celebrating Maduro's ouster in places like Miami, many Venezuelans are wary. Salima emphasized the precarious nature of current circumstances stating, While I'm ecstatic about Maduro’s removal, I remain fearful for my family still in Venezuela. Her sentiments echo a larger theme: optimism cannot overshadow the reality of ongoing political repression.

As the diaspora watches closely, many like Jesus Martinez, who has sought asylum in the U.S., stress that their lives have been irrevocably altered by the political crises. Martinez remarked, Life in Venezuela is behind us, examining the uncertainty faced by those who have seized new opportunities yet remain wary of the implications of returning to a country still grappling with upheaval.

The overwhelming consensus suggests that while Maduro's ousting is a significant milestone, it has not alleviated the deep-seated fears among Venezuelan migrants about returning home or the future of their families.