Story perspectives

Venezuelan Refugees Celebrate Strikes, Fear for Family Safety

1/5/2026

Center

Venezuelan Refugees React

Venezuelan refugees in Jackson Heights reacted to United States airstrikes on Venezuela and the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
Delson, a Venezuelan refugee who arrived in 2023, expressed happiness but concern for his family still in Venezuela.
Izaak, a Venezuelan refugee, highlighted the dangers of communication, fearing government surveillance and potential arrests.
These sentiments reflect ongoing anxiety among Venezuelans regarding their families' safety amid political turmoil.

Right

Trump Supports Maduro Capture

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration received strong support from Republican lawmakers after Nicolás Maduro's capture.
Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.) praised the operation as historic, likening it to the Fall of the Berlin Wall.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said the action addresses Maduro's drug crimes.
Republican members acknowledged constitutional concerns regarding military action.
Democrats criticized the operation as unconstitutional, underscoring a partisan divide as the implications unfold.

Left

Santelli Celebrates Maduro Capture

Alejandro Marcano Santelli, a Venezuelan asylum seeker, expressed joy that Nicolás Maduro was captured by the United States on drug charges.
Santelli fled Venezuela in 2009 due to death threats and lives in Miami.
Many in the Venezuelan community have mixed reactions and face uncertain immigration statuses.
Samir Luzardo, asylum seeker, lost his temporary protected status under United States President Donald Trump and faces deportation as deportations of Venezuelans rise.

1 of 3

Venezuelan Refugees React

Venezuelan refugees in Jackson Heights reacted to United States airstrikes on Venezuela and the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
Delson, a Venezuelan refugee who arrived in 2023, expressed happiness but concern for his family still in Venezuela.
Izaak, a Venezuelan refugee, highlighted the dangers of communication, fearing government surveillance and potential arrests.
These sentiments reflect ongoing anxiety among Venezuelans regarding their families' safety amid political turmoil.

1 / 3