Trump announces capture of Venezuelan president, SWFL reacts

FORT MYERS, Fla., - President Trump announced a military strike on Venezuela, sparking strong reactions from the Venezuelan community in Southwest Florida. In a Truth Social post, Trump stated that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured.

Locals gathered at Centennial Park to express their feelings. Ileana Avendano, a Venezuelan resident of Southwest Florida, was overwhelmed.

"It's real, it's real," said Avendano.

"It's happiness. It's because the freedom is coming," she added.

Erick Tovar, another Venezuelan in the community, shared his thoughts.

"It's just been a news that we have been expecting for the past 20 years," said Tovar.

Earlier in the day, Trump addressed the nation from Mar-a-Lago, confirming the military action and the capture of Maduro and his wife.

Despite the events being thousands of miles away, the impact was felt in Southwest Florida.

"I woke up at three in the morning, saw the news, and I thought it was fake. I thought it was AI, so I really went back to sleep later to be woken up by my mother, who was screaming and just crying across the room around seven in the morning, when she finally woke up and saw the news," said Tovar.

Members of Naples Con VZLA, a Venezuelan investment community, quickly gathered at Centennial Park.

"All this community has been rejoicing non stop since as early as sunrise, and you're probably going to go until tonight, and then the following day, probably a couple more weeks of just rejoicing," said Tovar.

Tears, hugs and dancing filled the park as Venezuelan immigrants shared stories of struggle.

"This influence has destroyed families. It has ripped people apart. People have been sent to jail, captured, persecuted, leaving way below means of like standard living," said Tovar.

Avendano reflected on the hardships faced by her loved ones.

"Friends and family, and they are still there, working hard for nothing, for $1 a month. And they keep going, try to do the best," said Avendano.

They say the community's pain is now turning into hope.

"I hope the freedom country for the new battle, for my son, for the new generation," said Rohel Tovar.

"Today marks a new hope that maybe, maybe I get to walk back home in a place that was even better than what I left it," said Erick Tovar.