ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — On Saturday, demonstrators gathered in St. Petersburg to call for the release of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, marching through Mirror Lake and the downtown area.

Carla Correa, one of the event’s organizers, emphasized their stance, stating, “We believe the United States should withdraw from Latin American affairs, allowing nations to pursue their own paths and maintain their sovereignty.”

The protest saw criticism of actions taken by former President Trump, with Richie Floyd, St. Petersburg’s sole elected Democratic Socialist, among the voices speaking out.

However, many Venezuelans living in the U.S. argue that detaining Maduro is crucial for their country’s stability. They contend that many of the demonstrators lack a direct connection to Venezuela.

“Often, those protesting aren’t even Venezuelan,” noted Elvia Gordils, who hails from Venezuela.

Protesters continued marching until 6, demanding Maduro’s release.

Other residents of St. Petersburg told us they believe the fate of Nicolas Maduro should be left in the hands of the United States’ justice system. 

“I  think that they’ve got to figure out exactly what it was that he was doing, because there are a lot of allegations against him.” Cherie McClelland told us, “So I fully feel like, you know, they really need to go after him, and he shouldn’t be running that country, if any of that is true.”

Maduro’s next court date is set for March 17th.