A coalition of grassroots organizations rallied at Main Street Garden Park in downtown Dallas on Saturday evening, joining protests across the country against U.S. military action in Venezuela.

Organizers said the event, part of a national "No War on Venezuela" day of action, was in response to recent airstrikes and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces.

Protesters called for an end to military escalation and demanded Maduro's release. They also criticized rising defense spending, pointing to the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier near Venezuela and its associated costs. 

Dallas protest draws about 40 people

In Dallas, a group of about 40 demonstrators gathered at Main Street Garden Park to oppose the intervention. Protesters chanted against further military involvement, arguing the United States should not take action in another sovereign nation.

"The United States has no business carrying forward its policies of war on a sovereign nation," said protester Rick Majumear.

Tensions among local groups

Others at the event voiced frustration at what they viewed as political posturing. One attendee criticized counter-demonstrators who carried Venezuelan flags, saying they did not understand the hardships faced by people inside the country.

At the same time, many Venezuelan immigrants in North Texas expressed relief and celebration following the capture of Nicolás Maduro. Supporters of the U.S. action described the moment as a turning point.

"I fully support President Donald Trump and the actions today," one Venezuelan attendee said.

Another Venezuelan resident said the developments brought hope of reuniting with family members they have not seen in years. They described coming to the United States at age 26 and experiencing freedom for the first time, calling the day's events emotional and long-awaited.

Texas home to large community

Texas is home to the second-largest Venezuelan population in the country, behind Florida, according to U.S. Census data. An estimated 122,000 Venezuelans live in the state, including roughly 20,000 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Sponsors and statewide demonstrations

Local sponsors included the DFW Anti-War Committee, Veterans for Peace, Democratic Socialists of America NTX, CodePink and other advocacy groups.

Similar demonstrations were held in cities nationwide, with organizers saying more events were being added throughout the day.

Protests were also held Saturday in San Antonio and San Marcos, with additional demonstrations planned Sunday in Austin, Houston and Waco.