MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) – The Trump administration’s operation to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife created a ripple effect around the globe.
Many who left that country have watched the events unfold from afar, including some who work and study in North Dakota.
Genesys Gil moved to the U.S. from Venezuela in 2019.
She recalled hearing stories of empty grocery stores, danger and more from her family back home after she left.
She said it’s just some of the turmoil citizens faced under President Nicolás Maduro.
“Everybody is at home, they say they feel like the pandemic again,” said Gil.
During the Maduro regime—and still now—Gil said her family members were cautious of how they interacted on social media.
“If you like something on Instagram or TikTok, they can just go to your house and say, ‘Hey, you posted this, you are going to jail,’” said Gil.
Any Medina is a sophomore at Minot State. The Venezuelan native echoed fears over online monitoring and witnessed other impacts of Maduro’s presidency growing up.
“When I went to the capital, I saw for the first time in my life people eating from the garbage,” said Medina.
The Trump administration’s removal of Maduro has drawn widespread praise for the social and economic impact it could have on Venezuela, the U.S. and the rest of the world.
“What are your thoughts coming from Venezuela, seeing that change in leadership?” asked KMOT Reporter Lindsey Miller.
“We’re thankful, we’re thankful with President Trump and all his administration because of this,” said Gil.
Maduro’s removal has also raised questions about the future of Venezuela and the United States’ plans.
While his arrest has inspired hope, Gil said gangs and other groups are trying to take power.
“They’re on motorcycles, they dress all black, they cover the head, and they have a gun,” said Gil.
Medina added that some in Venezuela who support the U.S.’s actions are facing ridicule and punishment.
“They are arresting the people that support Trump or are in favor of Trump,” said Medina.
Gill said she wants to travel back to Venezuela at some point so her daughter can meet the rest of her family.
Both Gil and Medina said they hope for a future for Venezuela that includes fair elections.
Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, is serving as interim leader with the U.S.’s supervision.
Rodriguez has called for Maduro’s release.
CNN reports that as of Tuesday, Venezuela had released just over 50 of roughly 800 political prisoners, following demands from the U.S.
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