"It's been barely a month since U.S. forces swooped into Venezuela and snatched up strongman Nicolas Maduro. The raid convulsed that country, and the effects still ripple through this oil-rich city, home to major petroleum companies as well as a large Venezuelan community. Some people here fear what U.S. intervention might bring. Others see a powerful message to the world and an opportunity."
"Pereira, 42, says he left Venezuela two years ago after the mafia kept extorting meals from his restaurant and the cops were no help. The U.S. seizure of Maduro gives him hope. "I am very grateful to President Trump for everything he has done," says Pereira, who wears a "Lone Star State" cap and now makes a living delivering food."
"Gutierrez, who is 39 and from Mexico, thinks the Trump administration seized Maduro to distract from problems here at home, including high food prices and protests over ICE raids. "The United States is going through a lot of problems," says Gutierrez, who wears an apron that reads, "Mexico Lindo," or "Beautiful Mexico." "I think it's mainly because the president isn't doing the job he should be doing to take care of all the people who live here.""
U.S. forces seized Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, and the operation continues to affect Houston, an oil-rich city with major petroleum companies and a sizeable Venezuelan community. Local reactions vary from gratitude and renewed hope among Venezuelan expatriates to skepticism and concern among other immigrants and workers. Some residents see the seizure as relief from extortion and corruption; others view it as a distraction from domestic issues such as rising food prices and immigration enforcement. Local interviews found most opposed the intervention, and a New York Times/Siena poll showed 53% disapproved while 41% approved of the U.S. handling.
Read at www.npr.org
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