New Yorkers React to US Military Action and Maduro's Capture in Venezuela

Reactions to US Military Action

• 📢 Mayor Mani registered his opposition to the US military action in Venezuela, citing opposition to regime change and violations of international law.
• 🏙️ He also stated his focus on the safety of Venezuelans in New York and minimizing the impact of President Maduro's presence in the city.
• ✊ Dozens rallied in Times Square, organized by the Answer Coalition, calling for an end to US military action and bombings in Venezuela.

Protester Sentiments

• 💔 Demonstrators with ties to Venezuela expressed feelings of being infuriated and terrified by the attacks on their home country.
• 😢 Some described crying and feeling immense sadness about the events unfolding.

Optimism for Venezuela's Future

• 📰 In Jackson Heights, Queens, patrons at El Budat Cafe watched news coverage with a sense of optimism about Venezuela's future.
• 🗣️ Alba, a Venezuelan resident, struggled to find words to describe her feelings after her family informed her about the US air strikes and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
• 📈 Her uncle, Jose Rodriguez, described the critical conditions in Venezuela under authoritarian rule, including low wages, rising costs, and violence.
• ✨ Maranella Morera, who left Venezuela 30 years ago, views the air strike and Maduro's capture as a potential way out of the country's current state.

Hope for Reunification

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For some Venezuelans in New York, the events have awakened hope of visiting family members they haven't seen in years.
• 😭 One woman shared her grief over not being able to mourn her brother's death with her family since 2018, but now feels a sense of hope.