Following Nicolás Maduro's capture by US forces, thousands of Venezuelans in Chile held peaceful demonstrations in Santiago and other cities. Alexander Maita, leader of Comando con Venezuela in Chile, called the event a success and estimated that 30% of the 950,000 Venezuelans in the country may return soon, with over 3,000 gathering in Parque Almagro.
The capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US forces prompted immediate reactions from the Venezuelan community in Chile. In Santiago, over 3,000 people gathered in Parque Almagro to celebrate, according to Carabineros reports, though Alexander Maita, leader of the organization Comando con Venezuela in Chile, estimated the figure exceeded 6,000 participants in a peaceful demonstration.
Maita, who coordinates the opposition group, described the gathering as a 'success' and reiterated that 30% of the approximately 950,000 Venezuelans in Chile might leave the country soon once a democratic transition is confirmed. '30% will leave immediately upon seeing the full opening of the transition in Venezuela, and then 40% will go gradually, while the other 30% will stay in Chile', the community leader detailed, also mentioning similar celebrations in regions like Arica, Iquique, Rancagua, and Concepción.
The governor of Arica, Diego Paco, warned of a possible massive return of Venezuelan migrants and called for activating a South American humanitarian corridor to ensure an orderly exit. 'Today with the detention of dictator Maduro, millions of Venezuelans can return home', affirmed Paco, criticizing the Chilean Executive for not leading regional coordination.
In Venezuela, the situation after the capture generates uncertainty. Maita indicated there is a 'tense calm' in the country, with the population awaiting signals from opposition leaders like María Corina Machado, whom Trump recently questioned, though Maita defended her leadership. 'María Corina has demonstrated validated leadership, not only in Venezuela but also abroad', he stated. However, the coordinator emphasized that 'danger has not yet ceased in Venezuela', referring to figures like Diosdado Cabello and Vladimir Padrino López, linked to the regime.
Maita expressed no concern over the US taking control of Venezuelan oil, recalling the historical US presence in the country's petroleum industry and supporting its reconstruction and privatization. 'We agree that the Americans return to Venezuela so that PDVSA can be privatized, but first it must be rebuilt', he concluded.
The demonstration in Parque Almagro proceeded without incidents, highlighting the joy of the Venezuelan diaspora in Chile amid an event that could change the fate of millions.