Venezuelan Exiles in Colombia Celebrate Hope but Hesitate to Return Home

Venezuelans in Colombia Celebrate Amid Uncertainty Over Returning Home

After years of exile, the recent removal of Venezuelan autocrat Nicolás Maduro has ignited a cautious wave of hope among Venezuelans living in Colombia, sparking emotional celebrations along the border city of Cúcuta. Yet, despite this newfound optimism, many remain reluctant to rush back to the turbulent homeland they left behind.

A Complex Mix of Emotions at the Border

Jorge Colmenares, 50, who fled Venezuela seven years ago and now ekes out a living selling candies on Colombian streets, voiced the collective sentiment of many expatriates: "If I speak from my heart, I had utterly lost hope." Still, as news of Maduro’s ousting spread, tears of both joy and sorrow welled up among Venezuelans gathered in Cúcuta. The pain of separation, the loss of loved ones, and the dangers faced by those still trapped in the country weighed heavily alongside the sudden spark of hope.

"When I think of my land, the beaches, my parents who died, and my son who crossed the perilous Darién Gap, my heart breaks," Colmenares shared, his voice faltering.

The Long Road of Exile and Migration

Venezuela’s collapse has forced over eight million citizens to flee, with nearly three million seeking refuge in Colombia alone—the largest host country in the region. Many have braved treacherous routes, like crossing the lawless Darién Gap between Colombia and Panama, in hopes of reaching safer destinations in Central America or the United States. The personal stories of family separation are countless; Colmenares’ son is currently detained in US immigration facilities, underscoring the ongoing human cost of displacement.

Current Border Dynamics Reflect Cautious Normalcy

Despite the dramatic political shift, border activity in Cúcuta, which handles approximately 70% of traffic between Colombia and Venezuela, remained surprisingly calm post-Maduro. According to officials from both the United Nations and the Colombian government, cross-border movement continued mostly unaffected, dominated by routine commerce and daily life rather than mass repatriation.

• Vehicles included Venezuelan Bera motorcycles marked with socialist emblems and older American models.
• Venezuelans cross daily for work, trade, and family visits.

Celebrations Mark a Moment of Emotional Release

The previous evening, hundreds gathered in Cúcuta's main promenade to sing the Venezuelan national anthem, light fireworks, and express a collective catharsis. Community organizer Eduardo Espinel, owner of a local restaurant and a key figure in orchestrating the rally, rallied the crowd with chants of "It’s happening!" while expressing cautious optimism about Venezuela’s future.

Espinel highlighted the complex feelings among the diaspora, admitting, "We know the fight isn’t over; some of Maduro’s closest allies remain in control. But as Venezuelans, hope, emotion, and celebration are in our blood. This day felt impossible before." He clasped a crucifix necklace beneath his shirt—a symbol of faith amid uncertainty.

Fear, Resilience, and the Road Ahead

Many attendees like Espinel had fled persecution despite not being formally involved in opposition politics, illustrating the widespread nature of governmental repression against ordinary citizens. A small-business owner from San Cristóbal, who asked to remain anonymous due to safety concerns for family back home, voiced a sense of vindication seeing Maduro detained—"He will now feel some of the fear he imposed on us."

Still, the celebrations were tinged with wariness toward foreign narratives, particularly Washington’s discourse centered on Venezuela's natural resources—often criticized as veiled colonial ambition. The diaspora’s focus, however, remains firmly fixed on rebuilding their nation and reclaiming dignity after a decade of hardship.

A Portrait of Courage and Family Bonds

Jorge Colmenares danced beneath the fireworks alongside his young daughter Karen, who defiantly waved a Venezuelan flag larger than herself. His wife, Raiza Yudith Echeverría, joined the celebration by selling hot dogs to revelers, a poignant testament to resilience amid scarcity.

“We made it this far,” Colmenares said, reflecting on the many who didn’t survive the journey or the harsh years in exile. “Some died in streets, in forests—before they could ever return home.”

Expert Insight: The Challenge of Repatriation and Reconstruction

From a policy perspective, the Venezuelan diaspora’s hesitation to return en masse underscores the deep-rooted insecurity and unresolved governance issues that persist despite Maduro’s removal. Rebuilding trust in state institutions, ensuring basic security, and restoring economic stability are monumental tasks ahead.

American and regional policymakers face a delicate balancing act: supporting democratic transition efforts in Venezuela while addressing humanitarian needs and migration flows. The U.S.'s direct military intervention, a rare and bold move, has rearranged geopolitical dynamics but also invites scrutiny about long-term implications and Venezuelan sovereignty.

For Colombian border cities like Cúcuta, the influx of migrants represents both a humanitarian challenge and an economic opportunity. Strengthened cooperation between Venezuela, Colombia, and international partners will be critical in managing cross-border relations and fostering recovery.

Looking Forward

While hope glimmers brighter for Venezuelans in exile, their stories reveal a sobering truth: the journey home is as much about emotional healing and social rebuilding as it is about physical return. Their experience calls for robust international solidarity and nuanced policy that addresses more than just leadership change.