Local leaders and residents express a mix of relief, concern, and uncertainty about Venezuela’s future and U.S. involvement.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Trump administration carried out a “large scale strike” in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on Saturday.
Michel Meza, owner of Los Chamos Charlotte, a local Venezuelan restaurant, says fear is high in Venezuela, especially for those who oppose Maduro’s government.
“If you promote it or get happy with Maduro out, they’re going to take it against you,” Meza said. “They will take action, probably robbing your stuff or putting you on a blacklist.”
Meza believes Maduro’s removal was necessary but warns that challenges lie ahead during the transition of power.
“This was a 100% necessary step,” Meza said. “Maduro wouldn’t leave the government in good terms ever. Even Marco Rubio talked about it… and Maduro rejected all of the options offered to get out of the country.”
Charlotte City Councilman JD Mazuera Arias expressed mixed feelings about the U.S. operation.
“I join and rejoice in happiness with the Venezuelan people for the fallen dictator of Nicolás Maduro; however, it is concerning to see the U.S. kind of go back to an old playbook of imperialism and intervention in Latin America,” Mazuera Arias said.
Mazuera Arias also raised broader questions about U.S. involvement and access to Venezuela’s natural resources.
“But most importantly, it sets a concerning precedent about whether any U.S. sitting president can attack another country to exploit their natural resources, and if that is truly in the interest of the American people,” he said.
Mazuera Arias urged Charlotte residents to understand the complexity of the situation while also focusing on local issues such as rising living costs and challenges faced by the immigrant community.
Venezuela’s interim president María Corina Machado has expressed willingness to cooperate with the U.S. during this ongoing transition, signaling a fragile but critical moment for the country’s future.
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