The phrase "Support Venezuela's freedom, but our oil stays" encapsulates the stance of the Venezuelan diaspora regarding the escalating tensions between the Trump Administration and the Maduro regime.
Ade Ferro, director of the Venezuelan American Caucus, expressed to EFE, "Venezuela is not a trophy to be claimed."
She emphasized, "While we all dream of a free, democratic, and peaceful Venezuela, not every show of force or intervention guarantees democracy."
Although the Venezuelan diaspora is eager to see the dictatorship overthrown, they are wary of Trump's intentions concerning the nation's resources.
Ferro, who leads an organization dedicated to safeguarding Venezuelan migrants in the U.S., remarked, "Just because one monster defeats another doesn't mean I have to side with the remaining monster." She stressed the "vital importance" of restoring democracy in Venezuela.
She also criticized the U.S. for potentially returning migrants to the regime they fled, highlighting the criminalization many Venezuelans face after escaping the dictatorship.
Pedro Guzmán, a car salesman in Miami who was also interviewed by EFE, shares Ferro's concerns. He appreciates "Trump's pressure on Maduro," and believes in reciprocating assistance, "but not by permanently giving away land or oil. That would be betrayal."
Conversely, Juana Martínez, an office cleaner, feels that "anything is worth ending chavismo—even giving away oil. We already give it to the Cubans for free, so why not to those who help us oust Maduro?"
However, some are anxious about the consequences of a potential invasion. "My mother lives near the Miraflores Palace (the government's headquarters), and I am very worried," said Migdalia Peña, a graduate student in New York.
Antonio de la Cruz, president of Inter American Trends, told EFE that the notion of the U.S. seizing Venezuelan resources is misguided.
From a legal and geopolitical perspective, he considers the belief that the U.S. intends to take over Venezuelan territory as a "misinterpretation."
De la Cruz explained, "What is proposed is a surgical operation, which is supported by the diaspora and the opposition," dismissing any suggestion of intervention despite the increased U.S. pressure on Maduro.
Recently, the U.S. seized three oil tankers off the Venezuelan coast, marking another spike in tensions between the two countries.
Questions About U.S.-Venezuela Relations
What is the stance of the Venezuelan diaspora in the U.S. regarding their country's natural resources?
The Venezuelan diaspora in the U.S. is keen on protecting their country's natural resources, particularly oil, and opposes any foreign takeover, despite supporting efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela.
How have recent U.S. actions affected tensions with Venezuela?
The U.S. has recently seized three oil tankers off the Venezuelan coast, which has heightened tensions between the two nations.