Large crowd rallies in Humboldt Park as Venezuelans await results in tense presidential election

Sunday, July 28, 2024
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A celebration got underway in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood on Sunday night as people await the results of the Venezuelan presidential election.

Video shows the large gathering at Grand and Kedzie.



Earlier Sunday, people rallied downtown as Venezuelans cast their votes.

Whether it is President Nicolás Maduro who is chosen, or his main opponent, former diplomat Edmundo González, the election will have ripple effects throughout the Americas.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin posted about the election on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying, "Venezuelans showed up in huge numbers to vote for a better future. The regime must respect their votes and not steal another election."



Seven-point-seven million Venezuelans have already left the country in search of opportunities abroad.

Many of them have come to the United States, causing a migrant crisis which impacted Chicago when busloads of migrants were sent to the city from the Texas border.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2024 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.