Louisville Venezuelan says Maduro arrest is step toward freedom

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife overnight Saturday on multiple federal drug trafficking charges.

Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores face charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy and destructive devices against the U.S.

There have been celebrations and protests when it comes to America's actions in Venezuela.

Nelson Michelangeli, who is originally from Venezuela and now owner of Alchemy in Louisville, told WDRB the attack on his country and the arrest is a step toward freedom.

But some can only see the possible bloodshed that lies ahead.

"We feel so happy and blessed and thankful to the government of the United States and with President Donald Trump to help our country to be free," Michelangeli said.

With his Venezuelan flag standing close, Michelangeli shares full support of the United States' overnight attack on Venezuela and of the capture of Maduro.

Here in America, Michelangeli speaks freely about his disapproval for Maduro's leadership. Something he couldn't do in his homeland.

"They control all powers in the government, all social media," Michelangeli said. "People can't say what they think because they can come after them, put them in jail."

It was fight the power or take flight.

As an ex-Venezuelan army officer, Michelangeli often chose fight.

"We come here to be safe," he said.

But protecting himself and his family meant fleeing the Venezuelan government.

"I have a lot of partners from the academy who are in jail because they think different," Michelangeli said.

He said his disagreement with the Venezuelan government pushed him to retire from the army.

After feeling unsafe in his home country, he sought asylum in America in 2016.

"They follow all ex-officers from army or marine or whatever and for that reason it's dangerous for us to stay there," Michelangeli said.

Now from afar, he still hopes for freedom for his country.

With Maduro facing trial in New York and Trump promising to reestablish American oil companies in Venezuela, Michelangeli believes America's involvement in South America could be the start of that.

"I think it would be great for Venezuela and United States of course and in the end, it'll be good for everyone," he said.

Leaders like Congressman Morgan McGarvey don't see freedom ahead.

Instead, McGarvey sees the spill of American blood and an overstep of power from the White House.

"The president has to come in front of Congress and ask for war powers before he attacks any country," McGarvey said. "Any president has to do that and we don't want to be in another endless forever war where we are losing American lives and taxpayer dollars for big oil interests."

US captures Venezuela's leader and his wife in a stunning operation and plans to prosecute them

Deep dive inside JCPS’ budget crisis: Cuts jumped $90 million in three months

Kentucky woman charged with fetal homicide after KSP says she ordered abortion medication online

Attorney defends LMPD officers disciplined after immigration-related camera searches

Freeze on federal funding could have devastating impact on Louisville child care programs