QUEENS (WABC) — Venezuelans across New York City have mixed reactions to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. While some people are elated, others are wondering what is next for their homeland.
“I’m so happy,” said Marilla Moreira.
Moreira fled Venezuela almost 30 years ago during the Chavez era and hasn’t visited family in 15 years.
“I want to go back to see my brother because he’s my older brother and I want to give him a hug and kiss,” said Moreira.
She’s one of many people who live in Queens who fled Venezuela. On Saturday, she celebrated with friends and is hoping a new leader will mean a better life for a new generation.
“I saw a lot of people die in the street so it’s very hard and I prefer to forget everything in the past because I want to live in the moment and live in the present because it’s very hard,” she said.
Kenia Fernandez moved to New York City from Venezuela a year and a half ago.
“I’m very happy about everything that happened, I woke up feeling great,” said Fernandez.
However, like many people watching the developments, she’s still concerned about family in her home country, Including her mother.
“My mother’s scared,” said Fernandez. “She told me not to send videos or anything to her in Venezuela because she’s afraid they’ll intercept her phone or social media,” she said.
Meanwhile, not everyone is celebrating.
A group of people demonstrated in Times Square Saturday afternoon against U.S. intervention in Caracas.
“We have to stand for the truth and what’s right, we have to stand for freedom, for equality,” said Nadia Weimann.
The demonstrators said the intervention isn’t about drug trafficking or democracy. They said it’s about stealing oil and dominating Latin America.
The demonstration in NYC is one of more than 80 scheduled to take place throughout the country Saturday.
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