Venezuelan Americans in Doral, Florida, celebrated reports that Nicolás Maduro had been captured by the U.S. military, calling the news a hopeful sign after decades of authoritarian rule. Doral — home to a large Venezuelan community — saw emotional public reactions and expressions of gratitude toward U.S. forces. Mayor Christi Fraga noted many residents fled Venezuela after Hugo Chávez's rise in 1999 or more recently under Maduro and said many hope to return to help rebuild their country. Fraga also said the development could spur broader stabilization across the Western Hemisphere.
Doral Celebrates After Reports Maduro Was Captured; Mayor Calls It a 'Light at the End of the Tunnel'
People react to news of the capture of Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro in Doral, Florida, on Jan. 3, 2026.
Venezuelan Americans in Doral, Florida, erupted in celebration after reports that Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro had been captured by the U.S. military — a development local leaders and residents described as renewed hope for democracy after decades of authoritarian rule.
Reaction in Doral
Doral, a Miami suburb where roughly 40% of residents trace their roots to Venezuela and many others to Cuba, saw visible and emotional displays of relief and optimism. Families who fled socialist rule expressed gratitude and spoke of the moment as historic.
“Because, thanks to them and the power of them, we are free. Viva Venezuela libre!”
“I've seen my dad cry three times in my life: his dad dying, Fidel dying and today. And I think it is just the time to be here. It's historic.”
Mayor Christi Fraga’s Remarks
Doral Mayor Christi Fraga told Fox & Friends Weekend that many in her community "fled oppression, coming here to find safety, freedom." She described the city's large immigrant population — many of whom lived through dictatorships — and said residents felt the news represented justice and a possible turning point.
Nicolás Maduro gestures next to his wife, Cilia Flores, after he took the oath of office during the presidential inauguration in Caracas on Jan. 10, 2025.
“People here are happy. We have a big immigrant community, a big portion of them being Venezuelan, Cuban, who have lived through these dictatorships basically their whole lives,” Fraga said. “They're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel after 27 years of oppression and watching their country deteriorate under this regime.”
The mayor noted that some residents left Venezuela when Hugo Chávez rose to power in 1999, while others arrived more recently as conditions worsened under Maduro. She emphasized how a resource-rich nation fell into poverty and deprivation and how many families came to the U.S. seeking opportunities for their children.
Fraga added that many in the community hope to return someday to help rebuild Venezuela. She also expressed a broader regional hope: that the change could inspire political shifts and increased stability across the Western Hemisphere, including in Cuba and Nicaragua.
Note: This report reflects the reactions and statements of local residents and officials following news reports of Maduro's capture.
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