OPINION:
In the early morning hours of Saturday, the U.S. conducted a successful military operation to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. The operation was conducted after President Trump said repeatedly that Mr. Maduro was the boss of the Cartel de los Soles.
In the 2026 indictment, the Justice Department changed the meaning of “Cartel de los Soles” from an actual cartel to a slang term referring to a corrupt system. This contradicts Mr. Trump’s claims that Mr. Maduro was the boss of a cartel and has left people with various reactions.
Many believe the Venezuelan people have been liberated from a horrible, oppressive dictatorship, while others are focusing more on the legality of Mr. Trump’s operation and what it could mean for Venezuela’s oil and other resources.
Venezuelans celebrated after hearing that Mr. Maduro had been captured, as for years they had suffered from a horrible dictatorship, inhumane conditions, no free speech and the killing or exile of political opponents.
Venezuela has about four times more oil than the U.S. After the capture of Mr. Maduro, Mr. Trump said oil companies would invest millions of dollars in Venezuela and the U.S. “will run” Venezuela until the right leader is put into place. These statements show intent to control resources.
Venezuela has been liberated, and America has given Venezuelans hope of a brighter future. Will the hope last? It’s still unclear. Venezuela could thrive in a democracy with a minerals-fueled economy or have liberated people but incarcerated, controlled minerals.
JOSE PACHECO
Fort Myers, Florida
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