Florida Divided: Protests and Celebrations Erupt Over Maduro’s Capture

ORLANDO, Fla. – A passionate crowd of protesters gathered in Orlando on Saturday, brandishing placards that read “Hands off Venezuela” and “No blood for oil” as they marched along Colonial Drive near Bumby Avenue.

“Only the Venezuelan people can free Venezuela, and there’s no place for American intervention,” expressed James Hammond, a demonstrator and a veteran from the area.

This protest took place just a day after the United States executed a major military strike in Venezuela, resulting in the capture and removal of President Nicolás Maduro from power and the country.

“The actions undertaken last night are blatantly illegal and contravene international law,” stated Caleb Pierre, another protester.

Pierre, a Haitian American living in Orlando, voiced his opposition to U.S. involvement, citing his experiences with similar events in his native Haiti.

“It’s absurd to claim they’re on a liberation mission when we’re the ones enforcing the sanctions,” Pierre remarked. “If we’re genuinely concerned about what should happen, let the Venezuelan people make their own choices.”

Loca veteran Hammond says the U.S. actions are not about stopping drug trafficking, as the Trump administration claimed, but about controlling the country and its resources.

“It’s always the working and the poor who have to go across the sea and die in a war for oil or whatever it is,” Hammond said. “We don’t want to see that again.”

This is one of many demonstrations taking place across Florida and around the country. At the same time, others are praising the U.S. efforts to remove Venezuela’s president from power.

“To me, to us, this means everything,” said Valeria, a demonstrator. “Since the moment I was born, we have been living under an abusive dictatorship.”

In South Florida, several Venezuelans took to the streets in celebration, calling Maduro’s capture a turning point for their country.

“As a Venezuelan American, I can’t tell you how happy I am,” said Luis, a demonstrator. “There are tears in my eyes. We’ve been waiting for this moment since 1998.”

More groups and organizations are holding events throughout the weekend. Casa de Venezuela Orlando is holding a prayer vigil for Venezuela Sunday at 3:30 p.m. at First Baptist Orlando.