Just over a week ago, millions of expatriate Venezuelans across the globe awoke to the shocking news that the country's president, Nicolas Maduro, had been apprehended by U.S. forces during a clandestine military operation. This dramatic nighttime mission lasted approximately two hours and took the world by storm, fundamentally altering the lives of many Venezuelans both at home and abroad. Since 2015, around eight million Venezuelans have fled their homeland, seeking refuge from the ongoing economic and political turmoil. Among those now residing in Greater Manchester, voices have emerged to share their experiences of watching the events unfold from a distance and their hopes for the future.
Adolfo Marquez, 36, originally from Caracas, fled Venezuela due to his role as a criminal barrister opposing Maduro's regime, which put his life in jeopardy. Since relocating to Salford in 2016 with his wife and two daughters, Adolfo has devoted himself to building a better life. Reflecting on the recent news, he described his emotional response: "We have been waiting for this moment for so long; it’s finally happening." Initially feeling shock, he quickly became anxious for those still living in Venezuela.
In recent communications, Adolfo's friends back home reported increased police activity, with individuals being stopped for questioning and their phones scrutinized for any signs of support for the U.S. operation. "If any evidence is found, the choice is to either pay a hefty ransom or face imprisonment," he explained. Despite these challenges, Adolfo expressed optimism, noting the release of political prisoners, including his friend's father, as a sign of potential change.
U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated an intention to utilize Venezuela's vast oil reserves, while also pledging to aid in the country's reconstruction. Adolfo remarked, "We understand Trump wants oil, but it’s a price we’re willing to pay so that no Venezuelan is killed or starving again. We can see a light—before it was just darkness." He holds on to the hope of one day returning to Venezuela and introducing his daughters to their heritage, despite the pain of their current separation.
Helena Diez, 55, hails from the Venezuelan Andes and now resides in Salford. She shared the grim reality that many Venezuelans face daily: "Venezuelans are living in poverty, with little food and electricity cuts lasting hours." A basic monthly food basket for a family costs approximately £375, while salaries can be as low as £120, making survival nearly impossible. "I know people who have died from starvation or lack of medicine," she lamented.
As part of the massive Venezuelan diaspora, Helena and others have attempted to support their families in Venezuela through aid and outreach to Members of Parliament. Although she feels safe and free in the UK, she remains aware that real change requires sustained international support. "We feel relief, we feel happy, but we are conscious this is just the beginning," she stated. Helena emphasized that real progress will take time, calling for a careful dismantling of Maduro's grip on power.
Roger Munoz, a mechanical engineer residing in Castlefield with his boyfriend and two dogs, left Venezuela in 2015, escaping a repressive government that instilled fear in its citizens. "Buying milk or bread required fingerprinting, and participation in protests was out of the question," he shared. Tragically, Roger's father passed away due to a lack of antibiotics in the hospital. After 11 years without returning home, Roger expressed his relief upon hearing of Maduro's capture, stating, "It was one of the happiest moments of my life. It gives you hope.”
While many Venezuelans share Roger's sentiment, there has been pushback against the U.S. military action. Protests organized by groups such as the Stop The War Coalition and CND have taken place in cities like Manchester and London, highlighting concerns over foreign intervention. "I don’t want another country to control my country; we want to be free," Roger asserted, adding that some demonstrators appear to exploit the situation for their anti-Trump agenda.
Adolfo echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the Venezuelan people's desire for change: "We had an election; we won, but it never happened. This is not the ideal scenario we envisioned, but it is what we have, and we are hopeful for the future." As the situation continues to develop, many Venezuelans in the diaspora remain dedicated to advocating for a brighter tomorrow for their homeland.
Stay tuned to BBC Radio Manchester for the latest updates and follow BBC Manchester on social media platforms for more stories from the expatriate community.