The January 3, 2026, capture of dictator Nicolás Maduro by the United States marked a decisive moment in Venezuela’s recent history. The show of force generated a wide range of reactions across South America and in the Venezuelan diaspora. There were lively street celebrations among Venezuelans living in Buenos Aires and Madrid, while concerns about international law were expressed in capitals such as Bogotá and Brasília. In the United States, “Operation Absolute Resolve” seems to have widened the gap between Democrats and Republicans.
However, within Venezuela there has been neither unbridled euphoria nor sharp denunciation. There weren’t even massive demonstrations of rejection or anger. How the events were experienced and interpreted within the country differs greatly from what has been reported elsewhere. This silence contrasts not only with what was reported outside the country, but also with past demonstrations inside the country for or against the regime.