Florida mayor calls Nicolas Maduro capture ‘light at end of tunnel’ as Venezuelans rejoice

DORAL, FLORIDA: Florida’s Venezuelan American community celebrated the news of President Nicolas Maduro's by US forces, a moment many had long awaited after decades of authoritarian rule. Mayor Christi Fraga of Doral called it a “light at the end of the tunnel,” reflecting widespread hope for democratic change.

Fraga told Fox & Friends Weekend on Sunday, January 4, that many constituents “fled oppression, coming here to find safety, freedom.” The mayor said the community’s reaction showed optimism for Venezuela’s future and hope for broader stability in the region.

Chisti Fraga says Venezuelans see hope after years of oppression

“People here are happy. We have a big immigrant community, a large portion of them Venezuelan and Cuban, who have lived under these dictatorships for most of their lives,” Fraga said.

“Yesterday, they were feeling justice served. There were a lot of people cheering and happy. They’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel after 27 years of oppression and watching their country deteriorate under this regime,” she added.

Fraga noted that some residents escaped Venezuelan when Hugo Chavez rose to power in 1999, while others arrived more recently as conditions worsened under Maduro.

“This very rich country had many opportunities and resources, and the people have been deprived of that,” Fraga said. “They’ve come here looking for opportunity for their children. Many of them are excited to be able to return and help rebuild their country.”

Fraga said Maduro’s removal could also impact other countries in the region. “Hopefully, this will continue, and we will see a ripple effect into Cuba and Nicaragua. We may begin to see stabilization across the Western Hemisphere,” she said.

Venezuelan community celebrates Maduro removal in South Florida

“This feels like a breath of fresh air,” said Venezuelans in South Florida who poured into the streets of Doral on Saturday to celebrate the US military operation that led to Maduro’s arrest.

People waved Venezuelan flags and sang together, showing strong support for what they viewed as a historic moment.

In Doral, where roughly 40% of residents are of Venezuelan origin, the reaction was especially visible. Immigrants who fled socialist regimes expressed optimism about Venezuela’s future and the potential for broader regional stability.

One man thanked President Donald Trump and the military, saying, “Because of them and their power, we are free. Viva Venezuela libre!”

Another woman shared an emotional reaction: “I’ve seen my dad cry three times in my life—when his father died, when Fidel died, and today. This is historic."