At a Glance
- Venezuelan community in Dallas celebrates the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro.
- President Donald Trump announced Maduro’s extradition to the U.S. Saturday.
- Employees at Preciosa Market shared tears and cheers over the event.
- Why it matters: It marks a turning point for Venezuelan immigrants hoping for change back home.
On Saturday, the Preciosa Market in Dallas became a focal point for Venezuelan refugees as news of President Nicolás Maduro‘s capture spread.
Venezuelan Community Reacts
Employees and customers at Preciosa Market erupted in emotion when the arrest news hit their phones. The shop, owned by the Sandoval family, became a gathering place for relief and celebration.
Isabela Sandoval said:
> “I see all the workers, they were crying, and hug me and saying, ‘Oh my gosh finally, finally,’ and I’m saying, ‘Yeah, finally, finally!’ and I start crying again,”
She described the workers crying and hugging her, sharing the words “Oh my gosh finally, finally” and she joined in the tears.
According to documents reported by News Of Fort Worth, the Maduros have been indicted in the Southern District of New York with narcoterrorism and other charges. The move has drawn condemnation from some leaders, including in Russia, the United Kingdom and Mexico. Legal experts have also expressed concern about the strike’s legitimacy.
Family Stories
Laura Boscan, who moved to the U.S. six years ago after earning a degree in petroleum engineering, expressed joy over the possibility of a new era in Venezuela.
She said she wants to return to work in Venezuela and earn a salary.
Isabela Sandoval said:
> “My mom is really happy because she knows what was the Venezuela from a lot of years ago,”
> “Venezuela was a rich country of a lot of cultures, of a lot of food.”
The mother’s sentiment echoed a longing for the country’s former prosperity.
Jesus Sanchez, Laura’s husband, arrived in the U.S. ten years ago after serving in the Venezuelan military. He said he left to escape persecution from a government he disagreed with-Maduro’s predecessor, Hugo Chávez.
Jesus Sanchez said:
> “If you think different, it’s a problem for you and your family,”
> “No food, no water, no house.”
> “You don’t have life in Venezuela.”
Sanchez highlighted the hardships faced under the last two presidents.
Celebrations Across Dallas
At Arepa Azteca in Oak Cliff, patrons toasted what they called the freedom of Venezuela, chanting and sharing hopeful memories.
Customer said:
> “We had faith and hope that this day would come,”
> “It’s a day to celebrate.”
Customer said:
> “It’s like a dream,”
Isabela Sandoval said:
> “She wants the freedoms that we have here in the United States, over there in Venezuela,”
The sentiment reflected a shared aspiration for democratic change.
Key Takeaways
- The arrest of President Nicolás Maduro has sparked emotional celebrations among Venezuelan immigrants in Dallas.
- Families like the Sandovals and Sánchezes see the event as a potential path to a better future for Venezuela.
- While uncertainty remains, the community expresses renewed hope for democratic freedoms.
The event at Preciosa Market illustrates how news from the homeland continues to shape the lives of Venezuelan immigrants in Texas.
