US President Trump Claims Maduro Capture; Venezuelan Diaspora Feels Relief Amid Drug Charges
January 4, 2026
US President Donald Trump said Venezuelans were very happy with the capture of Maduro. He said they love the United States and called Maduro's rule dictatorial. Many Venezuelans living abroad worry about their families but also feel relief about Maduro's capture. Nearly eight million people left Venezuela under Maduro’s leadership, which is one-fourth of the country's population. The exodus grew after the economy collapsed in 2014. Colombia hosts about 2.8 million Venezuelans, and Peru has 1.7 million. Peru’s President Jose Jeri said his government will help Venezuelans return immediately, no matter their immigration status. Trump also said the US would run Venezuela but did not clarify if this involves a military presence. He mentioned Venezuelan vice president Delcy Rodriguez spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, saying she was handling matters. Later, Rodriguez declared Maduro is Venezuela’s only president and demanded his and his wife’s release. Maduro and his family face US charges dating to 2020. The updated indictment from US Attorney General Pam Bondi adds his wife, Cilia Flores, and son Nicolás Ernesto Maduro Guerra. They are charged with conspiracy to import cocaine and possession of machine guns and explosives. The indictment says Maduro leads a 'corrupt, illegitimate government' involved in drug trafficking for decades. The family's illegal activities allegedly brought them wealth, with Maduro's son serving in Venezuela’s National Assembly.
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Tags:
Donald trump
Venezuela
Maduro Capture
Venezuelan Diaspora
Drug Charges
Us Indictment
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