In South Florida’s Doral, the heart of the Venezuelan American community, El Arepazo has been a symbol of celebration and activism. However, since President Trump’s administration announced the revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan immigrants, fear and uncertainty have gripped the community. The move to restart deportation flights has left many TPS holders, like Daniel Oropeza, facing the possibility of separation from their families and their lives in the US.

The decision has sparked a sense of betrayal among Venezuelan Americans who supported Trump, believing he would not deport their relatives. The community, affectionately known as “Doralzuela,” is divided between those hopeful for a reversal of the decision and those expecting further enforcement. The Trump administration argues that conditions have improved in Venezuela, justifying the revocation as a public safety measure.

As TPS holders face an uncertain future and legal battles to overturn the decision, the impact is felt deeply in Doral. Businesses, including El Arepazo, are experiencing decreased foot traffic as some immigrants stay home out of fear. City officials warn of the economic repercussions of mass deportations on Doral, a city heavily reliant on Venezuelan residents for its workforce and economy.

While some hope for legislative solutions to grant permanent legal status to Venezuelan immigrants, the community grapples with the harsh reality of uncertain futures and the potential dismantling of their lives in the US. The story of Carol Durán Pérez and others highlights the human toll of policy decisions on individuals who seek safety and stability in a new land, only to face the threat of deportation and uncertainty.