Pictures of the late David José Vallenilla Luis are placed...

Pictures of the late David José Vallenilla Luis are placed in the living room of his father, David José Vallenilla, in Madrid, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. Credit: AP/Bernat Armangue

MADRID — Venezuelans living in Spain are watching the events unfold back home with a mix of awe, joy and fear.

Some 600,000 Venezuelans live in Spain, home to the largest population anywhere outside the Americas. Many fled political persecution and violence but also the country’s collapsing economy.

A majority live in the capital, Madrid, working in hospitals, restaurants, cafes, nursing homes and elsewhere. While some Venezuelan migrants have established deep roots and lives in the Iberian nation, others have just arrived.

Here is what three of them had to say about the future of Venezuela since U.S. forces deposed Nicolás Maduro.

Special tax breaks in Hempstead ... Braving the shave ... LI Works: Dock building Credit: Newsday

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Special tax breaks in Hempstead ... Braving the shave ... LI Works: Dock building Credit: Newsday

Evidence hearing in Gilgo killings ... Push for lead filtration in schools ... Ex-superintendent faces sentencing ... Latest on Brookhaven landfill

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