The capture of Venezuela's longtime authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro by the United States sparked celebrations among Venezuelan migrants across South America, with many initially declaring they would return home. Emotional scenes unfolded in cities like Buenos Aires and Santiago as migrants shared the news and expressed hopes of reunification and national renewal.

Yet months later, most of the roughly eight million Venezuelans who fled economic collapse and political repression remain abroad. Surveys by the United Nations and migration agencies show no significant surge in returns, as persistent problems such as inflation, low salaries, food insecurity, weak public services and continued political repression dampen enthusiasm.

Although Venezuela's government has freed some political prisoners and encouraged citizens to come back, much of the ruling structure remains intact. Many migrants say that without deeper political and economic reforms, returning would mean facing the same hardships that forced them to leave.

For some activists and younger Venezuelans, the moment represents an opportunity to help rebuild democracy. But for many others who have established new lives abroad, the risks and uncertainties at home outweigh the hope sparked by Maduro's removal.