Houston – Reaction across the Houston area was sharply divided after the Trump administration announced the capture of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s longtime president.
In the hours following the announcement, members of Houston’s large Venezuelan community gathered for rallies and celebrations — while others protested, calling the move dangerous and illegal.
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At a rally in Katy on Sunday, some Venezuelans described the moment as long-awaited.
“It was shocking at first,” said Maria Ordonez, who has lived in Houston for nearly 25 years. “But my whole family was so happy. We’ve been asking for this for years.”
Organizers of the event said the capture represents what they see as the beginning of democratic restoration in Venezuela after years of political unrest, economic collapse, and mass migration.
Jorge Marquez, one of the rally organizers, said supporters believe the action opens the door for change.
“This is a victory for justice,” Marquez said. “But the work is not done. We will continue organizing and supporting a transition to democracy.”
Cristina Bastidas, who helped coordinate the event, echoed that sentiment, calling the moment “the beginning of the end” of decades of oppression.
“We have suffered for so many years,” Bastidas said. “This is the first step toward justice.”
But not everyone agreed.
Across Houston, protesters gathered to denounce the action, arguing it could escalate global conflict and undermine international law.
Michael Kuznetsov, who attended a protest in the Galleria area, called the capture “illegal” and “dangerous.”
“This sets a precedent that should worry everyone,” Kuznetsov said. “If the United States can do this to Venezuela, what stops other countries from doing the same?”
Another protester, Chelsea Batard, said she viewed the move as part of a broader pattern of U.S. intervention abroad.
“It’s disturbing,” Batard said. “We need to end wars and military actions that hurt working-class people around the world.”
As debate continues internationally, Houston’s response reflects the deep divisions surrounding Venezuela’s future — and the emotional weight the issue carries for those with ties to the country.
“It was wrong for us to go in and start bombing things and kidnapping their president," said protestor Edna Kelly.
Maduro is set to be in court for the first time tomorrow at noon E.T. He is facing drug and weapon charges.