South American–owned businesses react to Maduro’s capture

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif (KESQ) - Broad reactions are coming in from across the Coachella Valley after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. forces — including from some local South American-owned businesses.

Monica Moreno, owner of Mi Cultura Cuisine in Palm Desert, says it's been the topic of conversation all day and reactions have been mixed. The restaurant's Peruvian and Columbian flavors mirror the South American roots of both staff and customers, making developments in Venezuela hit close to home.

“Right now, what I just heard is my employees have been talking and asking questions," she explains. "They don’t know what’s going to happen. Some of them are happy because they are finally going to go back to where they were raised where their roots are.”

Moreno says she understands this is a major turning point for Venezuelans and is standing with her South American friends and neighbors as the situation continues to evolve.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.