Optimism wanes for Austin's Venezuelan community as election fraud unfolds.

Venezuelans in Austin despair as Maduro clings to power

By: José Mohammad-Algobre

"We're tired. The people are tired. Humanity's tired... [T]his country (the United States) isn't ours. It's borrowed." - Jesús Capote, Venezuelan migrant

As the disputed results of Venezuela's presidential election rolled in, Yeneree Torrealba, a 33-year-old Venezuelan immigrant in Austin, found herself glued to her phone, desperate for news from her homeland. Torrealba, like many Venezuelans abroad, feared that Nicolás Maduro's authoritarian regime would once again prevail, dashing hopes for democratic change.

Maduro's apparent victory is a bitter pill to swallow for Venezuelans in Austin, who had gathered in Cedar Park on Sunday, optimistic for a change. With flags draped over their children and pets, and cars adorned with opposition slogans, music, dancing, and a sense of community filled the air.

But as the night wore on, their hopes were shattered. Maduro's claim to a third six-year term, despite opposition claims of victory and international doubts about the election's legitimacy, left Venezuelans in Austin feeling disillusioned and powerless.

"We were all hoping for the best," Torrealba said, aware of the potential for fraud. The mechanical frustrations of work couldn't dampen her need to stay updated.

Many had believed that this time, the domestic and international pressure would be enough to tip the scales. Venezuelan migrant Jesús Capote, who attended the rally with his family and their dog Niña, who wore a tattered flag from their journey, expressed the fatigue and frustration felt by many:

"We're tired. The people are tired. Humanity's tired. The government made itself rich and us poor."

The economic crisis has driven many Venezuelans to leave, including Torrealba, who had to leave her four daughters behind when her business collapsed. Her longing for her family and community is palpable:

"It's frustrating waking up in the morning (here in Austin). We Venezuelans like to get together. I'm used to meeting up every day at 5 in the evening with my grandmother, mother, and daughters for coffee."

Despite her desire to return home, Torrealba now feels her priority is getting her daughters out of Venezuela, even if it means they won't experience a free Venezuela themselves:

"I'm not going to take away opportunities from them... I don't know if they will see (a different Venezuela). Maybe their kids will."

The despair and determination in her words reflect the sentiments of many Venezuelans in Austin, who continue to yearn for a democratic Venezuela, even as they feel the distance between them and their homeland grow.

Sources:

• AP News
• Reuters