Venezuelans across the world have taken to the streets in celebration following the dramatic capture of President Nicolás Maduro by the United States government.
Maduro, who was reportedly flown out of Venezuela, has been indicted in the US on multiple drug trafficking and weapons-related charges. His arrest has sparked widespread jubilation both within Venezuela and among millions in the diaspora.
Scenes of celebration were reported across Latin America, the United States and parts of Europe, with crowds singing, dancing and waving Venezuelan and American flags.
Many described the moment as the end of years of repression and hardship.
For over a decade, Venezuela has battled hyperinflation, widespread insecurity, gang violence and severe shortages of food and medicine.
According to the United Nations, more than eight million Venezuelans have fled the country since 2014, creating one of the world’s largest displacement crises.
Despite possessing the world’s largest proven crude oil reserves, Venezuela’s economy collapsed under Maduro’s leadership, a contrast many citizens say symbolized failed governance and systemic corruption.
One Venezuelan celebrating in Chile said, I’ve come to celebrate because the dictatorship has fallen.
Maduro’s drug trafficking has fallen. We are free and happy that the dictatorship has fallen and that we will have a free country.
In Doral, Florida, another celebrant said, Justice is being served for all Venezuelans forced to flee. We want to return home and rebuild Venezuela.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were seized during a US military operation carried out in the early hours of Saturday in Caracas. Reports from the capital described explosions, low-flying aircraft and smoke as the operation unfolded.
US President Donald Trump later described the raid as a “brilliant operation, crediting elite troops and extensive planning. He said discussions about congressional approval would follow.
US officials disclosed that Maduro has been under indictment since 2020 for allegedly conspiring to smuggle cocaine into the United States. Rewards for information leading to his arrest reportedly reached $50 million in 2025.
Washington accuses him of leading the Cartel de los Soles, which it has designated a foreign terrorist organization.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro would soon face “the full wrath of American justice, adding that multiple weapons charges accompany the drug counts.
Reactions within Venezuela remain divided. While many citizens celebrated, Attorney General Tarek William Saab condemned the operation, alleging civilian casualties and calling for peaceful protests.
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded proof that Maduro and Flores were alive, raising concerns about their condition.
International reactions have also been swift. Russia, a key ally of Venezuela, expressed concern and suggested the operation may have violated international law, calling for immediate clarification from Washington.
Maduro, who has ruled Venezuela since 2013, has long faced accusations of authoritarianism, election manipulation and overseeing the country’s economic collapse.
His capture marks one of the most dramatic geopolitical events involving Venezuela in decades and has reshaped the political mood among Venezuelans worldwide.
