As Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was arrested Saturday many watched closely from the United States, the country that executed the military operation that led to his capture.
Inside Chamo, a Venezuelan restaurant in Pasadena, the mood was celebratory. Owner Yesika Baker welcomed the moment, calling it a long-awaited step forward.
“We are so happy. We invite every single person to celebrate,” said Baker.
Word of the invitation spread quickly. Throughout the day, dozens of Venezuelans gathered, waving flags and marking what many of them described as a historic moment
“It was so amazing seeing something that we prayed for years,” said Tania Llavaneras. “A free Venezuela, hopefully, we’re on our way to that with Maduro being captured.”
This reaction comes as Venezuela enters a period of transition with potential changes to leadership, laws, and national policies. For many Venezuelans, those shifts bring the possibility of improvement but also uncertainty of how quickly real change can happen.
The Venezuelan president was extradited to the U.S. after a military operation Saturday. Conan Nolan reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Jan. 3, 2026.
“Last night, everyone was crying, happy, celebrating. But there’s a lot of questions in the air about what’s going to happen,” said Baker, who expressed some concern.
In downtown Los Angeles, the reactions were different, with dozens gathering outside in the rain to condemn the military strike on Venezuela.
“What he (Trump) did is illegal. Congress did not vote for the attack on Venezuela. So everything he is doing is illegal. That is why we are here,” said a protester who chose only to be identified as Maria.
For the protesters, the United States’ interest is not about liberation but instead economic.
“He shamelessly said this morning that they are going to sell the oil to benefit themselves. That is theft, blatant theft,” said Miguel Angel Zapata Flores.
While questions remain about what comes next, many Venezuelans, both at home and abroad, say the focus right now is hope.
“After so many years, we’re talking about probably 25 plus years of this government being in power. You always don’t want to lose your hope,” said Jose Mitchell, who lives in Venezuela after self-deporting this summer.
Mitchell, like many Venezuelans, will hope for the best while keeping a close eye on what’s next for their home country.
In a press conference Saturday, President Donald Trump said the U.S. is “going to run the country.” He also sketched a plan to send U.S. oil companies to take over Venezuelan oil operations, but offered few concrete details.
Both Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were indicted in the Southern District of New York with narcoterrorism and other charges, according to documents.
NBCLA editor Missael Soto contributed to this report.