Utah’s Venezuelans Anticipate Change at Home, Acknowledge Slow Progress

Nearly three months after U.S. forces moved into Venezuela and removed Nicolás Maduro from power, many Venezuelans living in Utah remain hopeful. They say change is underway, but parts of the old regime still hold sway.

Local reactions in Utah

Utah’s Venezuelans foresee political shifts back home, and many anticipate change in government affairs. Still, they acknowledge slow progress and ongoing risks for opponents of the former regime.

Norely López lives in South Jordan. She urged continued support for President Trump’s policies despite immigration concerns. López helps organize with Vente Venezuela, a U.S.-based political movement pushing for Venezuela’s democratic return.

Leaders, exile experience and advocacy

Carlos Moreno sits on the Salt Lake County Council. He left Venezuela in 2009 after facing political persecution. Moreno recently met with U.S. State Department representatives who sought feedback from Venezuelans living in the United States.

Vente Venezuela is allied with opposition leader María Corina Machado. Machado was named a 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate for her role opposing the socialist government.

U.S. actions and unfolding diplomacy

President Trump ordered a U.S. military operation on Jan. 3 to remove Maduro. The aim was to bring him to the United States to face federal drug-trafficking charges in New York.

State Department officials told exiles that U.S. personnel are operating inside Venezuela. Those officials said they are coordinating with Venezuelan authorities to encourage institutional change.

Delcy Rodríguez has served as the country’s president since Maduro’s removal. Moreno said Rodríguez has cooperated with U.S. representatives in several areas of governance.

Economic priorities and reconstruction

Moreno expects increased U.S. investment in Venezuela’s oil and power sectors. He believes such investments would speed economic stabilization and governance reforms.

Hope tempered by caution

Hector Hernandez fled Venezuela in 2021, citing persecution. He remained optimistic but warned that transformation will take time.

Many Utah Venezuelans point to Chavismo’s 28-year grip on power as a major obstacle. The movement began under Hugo Chávez from 1999 to 2013, when Maduro succeeded him.

Local leaders emphasize that dismantling entrenched networks must proceed carefully. They fear rapid changes could bring violence, chaos, or more deaths.

Reporting for Filmogaz.com.