Venezuelans in Florida are divided on US military action, with some backing intervention to oust Maduro and others fearing war’s human cost
DORAL: Venezuelans in South Florida hold sharply divided views on the United States’ escalating military posture towards their homeland.
The diaspora largely shares a desire to see President Nicolas Maduro replaced after years of economic and political crisis.
“If there’s one common sentiment among all Venezuelans, it’s the hatred we have toward Chavismo and Maduro,” said Andrea Gonzalez, 38.
Disagreement centres on whether US military force is the right tool to achieve that change.
Some argue intervention is the only remaining option after Maduro’s disputed 2024 re-election.
Others fear the catastrophic human cost of a potential war and advocate for exhausting diplomatic solutions.
The Trump administration says its airstrikes and naval deployment target “narcoterrorists” in the Caribbean.
Many in the community question Washington’s true motivations towards the oil-rich nation.
Trump’s own immigration crackdown, which has removed protections for Venezuelans, has also damaged his standing here.
Diana Gonzalez, a 47-year-old interior designer in Doral, fully supports military intervention.
She accuses Maduro’s government of corruption, election theft and repression.
“We can’t go on alone because it’s an unfair fight between people with flags and people with weapons,” she said.
She hopes for a future government led by opposition figure Maria Corina Machado.
Conversely, Carmen, 66, sees military action as a “double-edged sword”.
“If Maduro falls, it would be wonderful,” she said. “But if that happens, there will be many deaths.”
Activist Adelys Ferro urges caution, warning against letting desperation override the realities of conflict.
“In the midst of our desperation and desire for freedom, we have minimized what a war means,” she stated.
Many in Doral now avoid discussing Trump due to tensions over his immigration policies.
His revocation of Temporary Protected Status for some 600,000 Venezuelans has deeply affected the community.
Andrea Gonzalez experiences this rift personally, facing criticism from family over her political support.
“Resentment is building among Venezuelans,” she observed.
She believes Trump could regain support if he successfully ousts Maduro.
“The same people who have been deported wouldn’t hate him so much if he achieved that,” she added. – AFP
