Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez Joined Thousands of Venezuelans Across Miami-Dade in Support of a Free Venezuela
Over the past several days, Miami-Dade County has been the setting for a series of public events following historic developments in Venezuela, reflecting the response of the Venezuelan community and local leaders to the collapse of a narco-terrorist, communist, and socialist regime that for years ruled through repression, corruption, and fear.
In the early morning hours of January 3, Nicolás Maduro was removed from power, ending a period defined by authoritarian control, criminal networks, and the systematic dismantling of democratic institutions. The news resonated deeply across Miami-Dade County, home to one of the largest Venezuelan communities in the United States, many of whom were forced to flee persecution, economic collapse, and political violence.
Later that day, Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez joined thousands of Venezuelans across Miami and Doral, including gatherings at Versailles Restaurant and El Arepazo, where residents came together to mark the end of a regime sustained by narco-terrorism and ideological extremism. For many families in attendance, the moment represented long-awaited accountability after years of exile and loss.
That afternoon, Fernandez joined Members of Congress María Elvira Salazar, Mario Díaz-Balart, and Carlos Giménez at a press conference addressing the developments in Venezuela and their broader implications. Speakers emphasized that recent actions were directed at the criminal leadership of a narco-terrorist socialist regime, not at the Venezuelan people, and reaffirmed support for democratic restoration and regional stability.
On January 5, Fernandez joined Senator Rick Scott, Senator Ashley Moody, Congressman Carlos Giménez, and members of the Venezuelan exiled community at an additional press conference reaffirming continued support for the Venezuelan people as the country begins a new chapter after decades under communist and socialist authoritarian rule.
“The Venezuelan people endured years of repression under a narco-terrorist, communist, and socialist dictatorship,” said Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez. “Miami-Dade understands that reality because we are home to thousands who were forced to flee. The message over these past days has been clear and unified: Miami-Dade, Florida, and the United States stand with the Venezuelan people in their fight for freedom, accountability, and a future without dictatorship.”
The events underscored Miami-Dade County’s role as a voice for communities that have lived the consequences of authoritarian regimes firsthand. As developments continue to unfold, local leaders reiterated their commitment to standing with the Venezuelan people and supporting the restoration of democracy, the rule of law, and lasting accountability.
