CARACAS, Venezuela – A day after President Nicolás Maduro was taken into custody in a U.S. military action, Venezuelans are facing an unclear path forward.
The capital, Caracas, is quiet. Many businesses are closed, and people are waiting in lines, looking worried.
David Leal, a 77-year-old parking attendant, said, “People are still shaken.” He noted the empty streets.
While Maduro is being held in New York, his former officials are still seeking his release. The presidential palace is being guarded by armed citizens and soldiers.
President Trump said on Saturday that his administration would “run” Venezuela with the help of Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s vice president.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the U.S. will use its control over Venezuela’s oil to push for policy changes. He stated that the current government is not legitimate but a step in the right direction.
“We want to see Venezuela become a completely different place than it is today. But we know that won’t happen overnight,” Rubio said. “We need to be realistic.”
Venezuelans in the U.S. and Latin America are reacting with both celebrations and protests. Inside Venezuela, there are no big celebrations. Some government supporters have rallied, burning U.S. flags and holding signs that say “Yankee go home.”
Daniel Medalla, a construction worker, said people are afraid to celebrate because they fear the government.
“We were waiting for this,” Medalla said about Maduro’s removal.
Many remember the government crackdown during the 2024 elections, which were seen as stolen. Protests led to deaths, injuries, and arrests.
In La Guaira, families are cleaning up after blasts that damaged homes during the operation to capture Maduro.
Wilman González, injured in a blast, said his apartment building was badly damaged. Some people were killed in the U.S. strikes.
“This is all we have left: ruins,” he said.
González expressed anger at the damage and the long-lasting economic and political problems in Venezuela.
“We are just regular people, not on the side of the government or anyone else,” he said.
