Venezuelans in Winnipeg Celebrate Maduro’s Capture Amid U.S. Intervention Concerns

Some Venezuelans living in Winnipeg are feeling a mix of emotions after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the capture of President Nicolás Maduro on Saturday. Cristina Rodrigues Bonito, who moved to Canada in 2014, felt joy but also caution. She said, “We were happy. We cried, we hugged,” but added, “I hope that things develop quickly and peacefully.”

Explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported in Caracas early Saturday, marking the U.S. intervention. Trump stated that the U.S. would manage Venezuela until a “proper transition” occurs, as Maduro faces charges for allegedly running a “narco-state” and rigging the 2024 election.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed support for the Venezuelan people’s right to a peaceful future, calling Maduro’s regime “brutally oppressive.” He noted that Canada has viewed Maduro’s leadership as “illegitimate” since the 2018 election.

International reactions to the U.S. intervention were mixed. Some leaders from Argentina, Peru, and Ecuador celebrated, while others from Brazil, Russia, Iran, and China condemned it. Jeanette Pantin Pérez, a Venezuelan in Winnipeg, questioned the U.S.’s true intentions, stating that the country has a history of exploiting Venezuela’s resources.

Trump emphasized oil during his press conference, claiming that U.S. control would benefit both Venezuela and the U.S. Luiz Antonio Rodrigues Bonito, Cristina’s brother, expressed hope for positive change, recalling better times when American companies were involved in Venezuela’s oil sector.

Luiz fled Venezuela a decade ago, and he noted the ongoing struggles for his family back home, including food shortages and safety concerns. Despite these challenges, many in Venezuela are quietly celebrating the news of Maduro’s capture.

Both Luiz and Cristina hope for political change, favoring Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia as leaders. Cristina said, “We’ve been asking for this for many years. I hope Venezuela gets to be free.” Pantin Pérez acknowledged the need for change but questioned the legitimacy of the U.S. intervention, stating, “I think those changes would be more favorable if they would have happened on solid, legit foundations.”