Montreal’s Venezuelan Community Celebrates Maduro’s Capture

Members of Montreal’s Venezuelan community gathered in the Old Port on March 2, 2024, to celebrate the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. This event, described by many as a turning point, brought a wave of emotions, particularly for those who have fled Venezuela amid its ongoing political turmoil.

Among the crowd was Belkis Ortega, who moved to Montreal three years ago. She expressed the intensity of her feelings, stating, “I haven’t slept. We’re happy, shaken… we see videos, so many images of what’s happening, and sometimes we can’t even believe it.” The celebration was marked by a mix of joy and concern, as many in the community remain worried about family members still living in Venezuela.

The news of Maduro’s capture was confirmed by U.S. President Donald Trump via social media, who also announced the apprehension of Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores. Following the capture, Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s vice president, indicated that the whereabouts of both Maduro and Flores were still unknown. Pam Bondi, the U.S. attorney general, stated that they would face charges stemming from an indictment in New York.

Community Reactions and Concerns

The atmosphere in Montreal was charged with a sense of relief, as many community members had long awaited this moment. Mairim Castillo, another resident, remarked, “It’s justice, finally.” The community’s hope is rooted in the deep crisis that has characterized Maduro’s presidency, which has left millions in poverty and prompted over 7.7 million Venezuelans to flee their homeland.

According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, there were more than 4,000 Venezuelans residing in Montreal as of 2016. Many of those celebrating are acutely aware of the ongoing struggles facing their compatriots back home. The festivities were tempered by an undercurrent of worry about what the future holds for those who remain in Venezuela.

The situation has escalated significantly in recent months with increased pressure from the United States on Maduro’s regime. Community members expressed a desire to focus less on the details of the capture and more on the implications of this event for Venezuela’s future governance. President Trump’s announcement indicated that his administration would continue to exert influence over Venezuela, stating that it would “run” the country with the assistance of Vice President Rodríguez, who is now considered the interim president following a ruling by the high court.

As celebrations continued in Montreal, Castillo concluded, “It doesn’t matter how we are getting freedom. We need freedom.” This sentiment underscores the community’s resilience and hope for a brighter future, following years of hardship under Maduro’s leadership.

The events of March 2, 2024, signal a pivotal moment for both the Venezuelan diaspora and the political landscape in Venezuela, as the world watches to see how these developments will unfold.