Las Vegas’ Venezuelan Community Celebrates Maduro’s Capture

Even though 2026 has just begun, the capture of Venezuela’s president, Nicolas Maduro, has quickly become one of the most important developments of the year. While people seem to be divided on the topic of the United States’ military intervention in Venezuela, Venezuelan people in Las Vegas seem to welcome the toppling of their government.

Maduro Has Long Been a Divisive Figure

Maduro has cemented his position as a controversial political figure. Whereas many have criticized his appointment as president of Venezuela, with international organizations deeming the process illegitimate, some have approved his outspoken criticism of major global political powers.

Maduro’s capture has prompted another wave of mixed reactions, with some praising the US’s swift operation and capture of a man whom many consider to be a dictator, and others being wary of America’s intervention in a foreign country, which seems to contradict some of US President Donald Trump’s promises, and could potentially lead to unforeseen geopolitical consequences.

Whatever the case, however, a perhaps surprising majority of Venezuelans seem to have embraced Maduro’s capture, with many going as far as to celebrate the occasion.

Las Vegas Venezuelans Celebrated Maduro’s Capture

As it turns out, Las Vegas’s Venezuelan community appears overjoyed by the news of Maduro’s capture and the toppling of his regime. Many Venezuelan nationals associate the man with the devastating economic crisis of the 2010s and the hyperinflation that lasted for several years.

Whereas many have stayed and protested against Maduro’s government, many others have opted to leave Venezuela amid the raging crisis. The same people are now celebrating the prospects of soon returning to a free Venezuela.  

On January 3, Venezuelans in Las Vegas held a “Venezuela Libre” party to celebrate the capture of the country’s leader.

In the meantime, the US announced its intention to oversee a transition period in Venezuela following Maduro’s capture. According to the announcement, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez will serve as interim president of Venezuela during this transition period.