Venezuelans Report Fragile Changes Months After Maduro's Removal

Jesús Armas sits with his partner at a sidewalk cafe in Caracas. María Pérez joins a public protest. Melva Vásquez stands outside a prison holding enlarged photos of her son and daughter, who are detained inside. These actions were largely impossible under the government of Nicolás Maduro.

The United States conducted a night raid on January 3 that resulted in Maduro's capture and later detention in New York. U.S. officials have since increased diplomatic contacts, sent cabinet members to meet with acting president Delcy Rodríguez, and permitted the restart of direct flights between the two countries.

Venezuelans interviewed by CNN this month expressed caution about the future. Many described an edginess in the capital regardless of political views. They have seen Maduro removed but note that much of the government, military and civilian leadership has stayed the same.

The deprivation that led millions of Venezuelans to leave the country over the past decade is still evident. Empty refrigerators and bare pantry shelves remain common in homes. Many people stand in long lines for buses, the only transport they can afford, while prices for basic goods stay high.

At Simón Bolivar International Airport, border officers initially appeared confused by arriving American journalists until they learned the group had come on the first direct flight from Miami on April 30. That flight departed from Miami International Airport's Gate D55, which had been decorated with Venezuelan flag colors, balloons, cafecitos and arepas.

Fewer than 100 passengers were on board, and only a few flights operate daily so far. Delcy Rodríguez has described the current period as a "rebirth" for Venezuela. Many of those interviewed said the United States will largely determine whether the country succeeds.

Glitzy events have raised expectations of large foreign investments, yet daily conditions for most have not improved.

Public demonstrations have become more visible.

At a May Day rally in Caracas, participants called for a return to democracy, higher wages and better pensions. Aida Guevara, wearing a baseball jersey with "America" across the front, said her pension does not cover medicine costs. " — María Pérez (CNN) Melva Vásquez lives in a tent outside El Rodeo prison, about 35 miles east of Caracas, so she can advocate for her son Merwyn Simons and daughter Anyela Bermúdez.

She said the display of photos and protest would not have been permitted under Maduro. The government alleges the siblings were part of a plot to bomb a public square, but Vásquez said they are not involved in politics. "We're living in agony," Vásquez said.

" Political activist Sairam Rivas now wears a T-shirt in public demanding the release of all political prisoners. Her partner, Jesús Armas, served as the 2024 Caracas campaign manager for opposition leader María Corina Machado. He was detained from December 2024 until February of this year after being abducted by masked men, spending time in El Helicoide prison.

Armas said he heard explosions linked to the U.S. raid but did not initially believe reports that Maduro had been taken. He added that repression continues but at a reduced level. He recognizes intelligence officers who follow him but does not believe he faces immediate detention risk.

Officials have said accusations of human rights violations are false. Graffiti in Caracas calls for the release of Maduro, who is held in Brooklyn, New York. Other murals continue to portray him as the successor to Hugo Chávez in the socialist revolution.

Venezuelans are also watching the U.S. midterm elections in November for possible effects on policy toward their country.