Venezuelan Migrants React to Maduro's Ouster: Hope Mixed with Anxiety

Mon Jan 12 2026 10:57:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The recent removal of Nicolás Maduro has elicited mixed reactions from the Venezuelan community in the US, where many are navigating feelings of hope and concern for their homeland's future amid ongoing political uncertainty.

Following the ouster of Nicolás Maduro, reactions among Venezuelan migrants in the US are filled with complexity as many express relief yet harbor deep-seated fears for their safety and the future of Venezuela. With over 770,000 Venezuelans residing in the U.S., feelings fluctuate between joy over the regime change and anxiety about still being under a threatening government. Advocates emphasize the need for a stable future in Venezuela before considering a return, highlighting the tenuous status of many Venezuelans in the U.S. with the potential for increased deportations under the Trump administration.

NEW YORK — In the wake of the late-night military operation that led to the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Venezuelan migrants in the U.S. express a mixture of happiness and anxiety. Advocates like Alejandra Salima, who arrived in the U.S. with her son, voice relief at Maduro's removal while fearing for their safety as regime allies remain in power.

This is a first step, but we're nervous, Salima lamented, reflecting the deeper feelings of many amongst the 770,000 Venezuelans currently residing in the U.S. For many, the change feels bittersweet; the removal of Maduro is celebrated, yet the risk of returning remains high as the interim government is seen as potentially unchanged.

Manuel Coronel, a lawyer who fled in 2017, echoed similar sentiments. “They got him, but the criminals are still there,” he remarked, pointing out the uncertainty that continues to loom over Venezuela’s political landscape.

The Trump administration's recent policies, which propose deportations for Venezuelans without permanent residency, have intensified fears among the migrant community. Despite the assertion from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that many Venezuelans are excited about the change, interviews reveal a reluctance to return. Many migrants, including José Luis Rojas, have found safety and stability in the U.S. Rojas particularly remembers his struggle against hyperinflation and insecurity in Venezuela, making him cautious about the proposition of returning even with a regime change.

As celebrations occur in places like Doral, Florida, many still acknowledge the road ahead as fraught with challenges and contradictions. Complicated feelings persist, as Venezuelans aim for change but remain rooted in their new lives abroad, expressing hopes for a future where they can choose for themselves—whether to return home or remain in safety.

For Venezuelans like Salima, who worked in opposition politics and still fears discussing her family’s situation in Venezuela, the situation remains precarious. Temporary Protected Status, a lifeline for many, faces revocation under the current administration, heightening the urgency for families considering repatriation.

Jorge Galicia, also part of the rallying crowd, articulated the shared desire among migrants: Everyone deserves to have the choice of returning home. The sense of community, advocacy, and a hopeful future remains as they navigate this pivotal time in Venezuela’s history.