Joy, tears and chants of "freedom" as Venezuelans in South Florida react to Nicolas Maduro's capture

CBS News ^ | January 3, 2026 | Sergio Candido and Steve Maugeri

[Governor Dinwiddie]

Venezuelans in South Florida poured into the streets of Doral early Saturday, celebrating what many called a historic turning point for their country after President Nicolas Maduro was removed from power, according to President Donald Trump.

Celebrations erupted outside El Arepazo restaurant, a longtime gathering spot for the Venezuelan community, where people hugged, sang and waved flags as the sun came up.

Chants of "Libertad" echoed through the area as crowds sang both the U.S. and Venezuelan national anthems, marking a moment many said they had waited decades to see.

[Governor Dinwiddie]

Been watching the celebrations live on TV. Joyful pandemonium in Miami.

👍

[Uncle Miltie]

Load ‘em up and take them home!

[madison10]

Shut up. Many are probably US citizens.

[DIRTYSECRET]

It would be better if the celebrations were vin Venezuela.

[Governor Dinwiddie]

They've been singing the American national anthem *and* the Venezuelan national anthem.

[piasa]

They are one reason Trump won Florida

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Must have been real hard for cbs to write that

[CFW]

Can you imagine Harris as President?

[Texas Eagle]

Meanwhile, CNN anchors have been shedding tears of sadness all day.

[Governor Dinwiddie]

#7: "Must have been real hard for cbs to write that"

Some CBS staffers said it was worse than passing a kidney stone.

[Ronaldus Magnus III]

Richie Havens

Woodstock

Freedom

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rynxqdNMry4&pp=0gcJCR4Bo7VqN5tD

[for-q-clinton]

But those that aren’t...surely they can go home now, right?

[roving]

Too many people on this site were acting like leftists. Maybe they should join Bluesky.

[roving]

There were celebrations all over the world. You could go to Bluesky and cry with them.

[Governor Dinwiddie]

Yeah, I don't get it. This is great news for freedom, great news for
Venezuelans. These people aren't parasites. They are educated, middle
class, and responsible. They are akin the Cuban refugees in the 1960s.

[DIRTYSECRET]

You could bright but we’re not seeing it on Fox.

[madison10]

Yes. They want to from what I have seen, but I am sure there are still Maduro people waiting to cause havoc in Venezuela. Venezuelans here will want to wait until the enemies are gone. No one wants to go back to torture.

[Tom Tetroxide]

When do we get to liberate Cuber?

[Jim Noble]

It’s the Venezuelans in Venezuela that matter.

[sport]

I am so proud of President Trump.