In a recent government meeting, officials expressed strong opposition to the certification of Nicolás Maduro as the president-elect of Venezuela, following a controversial election. The discussions highlighted the dire humanitarian situation, with an estimated 4 million Venezuelans expected to seek refuge in the United States due to ongoing political and economic turmoil.

Officials noted that the Maduro regime's actions, including violent crackdowns on protests that resulted in 24 deaths and nearly 2,000 political arrests, have exacerbated the crisis. The opposition candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, was recognized by the U.S. government as the legitimate winner of the election, despite Maduro's claims of victory. The U.S. based its recognition on the release of voting tallies from over 80% of polling stations and assessments from international electoral experts, which indicated that Maduro could not have won.

The meeting also addressed the challenges faced by neighboring countries, such as Colombia and Brazil, which are struggling to accommodate the influx of Venezuelan migrants. With 8 million Venezuelans having fled the country, officials emphasized the need for continued support to strengthen the capacities of these nations to handle the migration crisis.

As the situation unfolds, the U.S. government remains committed to collaborating with regional partners to address the humanitarian needs of Venezuelan migrants while advocating for democratic processes in Venezuela.