Why Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Words on Venezuela Matter
When news broke that US forces had captured Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, most headlines focused on power politics and global strategy. But New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, spoke in simple terms. He called it what he believed it was: “an act of war”.
His comment matters because behind every military action are real people and real consequences. Questions of justice, national independence and basic human dignity cannot be brushed aside.
For many ordinary people in New York, especially Venezuelan immigrants, this is not some far-off political drama. It affects how they feel about their safety, their families back home, and whether their country is being treated fairly. When powerful nations push for regime change, fear and uncertainty do not stay overseas — they reach communities right here.
This is also about accountability. Taking action against another country’s leader without proper democratic approval raises serious concerns. It weakens international law and sends a message that smaller nations’ sovereignty can be ignored. It also risks making immigrant communities feel that their suffering does not matter.
Mayor Mamdani’s stance is not just criticism — it is a reminder. Power should be used carefully and responsibly. Justice means protecting vulnerable people, respecting international rules, and recognising the impact foreign policy has on local communities.
This is not only Venezuela’s story. It affects all of us. When decisions about war are made without transparency, when national sovereignty is dismissed, and when immigrant voices are overlooked, democracy itself is weakened. Mamdani’s words ask us to think differently — and to choose justice, dignity and solidarity instead of force.