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With the repressive machinery Maduro used still in place, many Venezuelans are scared to celebrate his departure.

A demonstrator looks on during a march outside the National Assembly on the day Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was formally sworn in as Venezuela's interim president, as U.S.-deposed President Nicolas Maduro appeared in a New York court after the Trump administration removed him from power, in Caracas, Venezuela January 5, 2026. REUTERS/Maxwell Briceno TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Already home to three million Venezuelan refugees, Colombia is worried that over a million more could try to cross over.

A Colombian soldier stands at the border between Venezuela and Colombia [Luisa Gonzalez/Reuters]

Colombia could face its own turmoil from the stunning turn of events both in violence and a mass influx of refugees.

Venezuelans leaving their country arrive at the border crossing in Cucuta, Colombia, on January 3, 2026, after US forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. (Photo by Schneyder Mendoza / AFP)

Venezuela is no stranger to contested elections. What can the past reveal about the results of July’s presidential race?

Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez raise their arms during a parade in Venezuela.