"Hundreds of people gathered on Saturday, January 3, in Avenida Paulista, Sao Paulo, to protest against the recent measures taken by US President Donald Trump against Venezuela, which they called 'absurd'. Footage shows demonstrators condemning the US attacks while holding flags of the International Socialist League and banners with messages such as 'Out Trump from Venezuela', as well as others who support and celebrate the detention of the Venezuelan president. "I think it is important for us to be here to demonstrate against this, this absurdity, this scandalous thing that is the invasion by the United States against Venezuela and the kidnapping of Nicolas Maduro, the bombing by the United States against Venezuela," said Santiago, a Brazilian citizen. "But it is essential that we take a stand against this, because any change of regime in Venezuela has to be the result of the action of the Venezuelan people themselves. It is not acceptable for the United States to decide how another people should organise themselves," he added. For her part, Tati, a protester, said that despite supporting the government of Nicolas Maduro, she acknowledges that "it is absurd that the government has kidnapped the president". On the other hand, there were those who support and celebrate the detention of the Venezuelan leader, such as Amanda and her mother, Nicete, Venezuelan citizens who said they are happy because "the dictatorship in our country is finally going to end". Meanwhile, Brazil's acting foreign minister, Maria Laura da Rocha, announced that Brazil recognises Delcy Rodriguez as the current leader of Venezuela, stating at a press conference that "due to the absence of the current president, Maduro, this position is held by the vice president, Delcy Rodriguez." Da Rocha also underlined that nations of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) will meet on 4 January to determine the bloc's position on the US attack against Venezuela. Caracas declared a national emergency, condemned 'extremely serious military aggression' and said the US was trying to "seize Venezuela's strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals". It saw widespread worldwide condemnation, including from Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Chile and others in Latin America, as well as from BRICS nations like Russia and China. The EU and European nations called for 'international law' to be respected. Opposition leader - and controversial Nobel Peace Prize winner - Maria Machado said that her party was "ready to enforce the mandate and take power." She refused to recognise Maduro's 2024 election win, claiming her side won. It comes after weeks of US military action - 'Operation Southern Spear' - which saw tankers intercepted and strikes on alleged 'narco boats'. The US has built up a heavy military presence, including the USS Gerald R Ford carrier strike group and about 15,000 personnel in the Caribbean Sea."