With a Shovel: Digging into the Venezuelan Migrant Journey
By Your Friendly Neighborhood Comedian-Commentator
In case you missed it, there’s a serious wave of Venezuelan migrants making their way to North Texas, and they’ve brought more than just immigration drama—there’s a side of hope, resilience, and a few cultural surprises along the way.
So, settle in as we shovel through the trenches of this story because, let’s be honest, a story like this needs to be hit with a shovel—or maybe a bulldozer—just to unearth the layers of struggle and triumph that lie beneath the surface.
The Venezuelan Connection
Meet Beckenbauer Franco and Liliana Andrea Araujo, two shining examples of human endurance. They’ve left behind the sunny plains of Venezuela for the sprawling BBQ and Tex-Mex meccas of North Texas. And why? Because when the choice is between a broken economy and a chance at a new life, a shovel can dig out many things—money, food, dreams, and quite possibly, your sanity.
Now here’s the kicker: as we dive into the data, Texas proudly boasts the second-largest Venezuelan population after Florida. How many of these newcomers are feasting on traditional arepas while kicking back at the local kickingball match? According to the latest census, we’re talking serious numbers—like 8 million people escaping government repression. That’s a lot of arepas and of course, lot of stories.
Stories That Stick
Araujo’s story, though, really tugs at the heartstrings. Leaving behind her daughters, she embarked on a perilous journey that would make a summer blockbuster look like a walk in the park. And all she has to remind her of home is a small light purple Totto bag. Now, if that’s not love, I don’t know what is. Imagine the pressure of carrying a bag across nations just to fulfill a promise to your daughter. The weight of that bag might as well be a boulder cemented to the memories of loss and sacrifice.
And to add to that, Araujo has already faced gunfire in a country where she thought she might find peace. Talk about a welcome party! Who needs the Dallas Cowboys when you’ve got life threatening scenarios on your menu?
Yet, these resilient souls continue to band together. They navigate their new world complete with new restaurants that serve familiar flavors, and kickingball leagues that sound like something from a cartoon but are very much real. After all, who knew sports could double as community bonding? Bravo! The human spirit is nothing if not inventive, and let’s not forget hilariously determined!
United Despite the Ugliness
Remember, this journey doesn’t come without its heart-wrenching challenges. Araujo feared becoming a victim of violence during her trip. Who could blame her? You know it’s a rough ride when you’re thinking, “Do I want to risk death by crossing borders or rotten avocado toast that costs me my last penny?”
And yet, against all odds, they continue. Franco, armed with nothing but a letter from his daughter and an unwavering determination, embodies the spirit of countless others. They’re not just fleeing; they’re running towards hope, carrying their dreams like precious cargo. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to swap the drama of authoritarian rule for the sweet taste of freedom (and perhaps a taco or two along the way)?
Conclusion: Digging for a Better Tomorrow
The Venezuelan community is blossoming in North Texas. It’s a testament to resilience, a mixture of cultures, and a story that unfolds with each arepa served and each kickingball match played. So folks, let’s raise a metaphorical shovel in solidarity—may we always dig for understanding, compassion, and perhaps a good punchline to keep the spirits high.
And remember, the next time you see someone carrying a light purple Totto bag, it’s more than just fashion—it’s a journey worth watching.
Read more at The Dallas Morning News.
Beckenbauer Franco, a prominent Venezuelan lawyer and activist, was among those who gathered for the Spanish worship service at Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas on Sunday, September 15, 2024. Franco, who hails from Barcelona, Venezuela, made a life-altering decision to leave his home country after facing detainment due to protests in the summer of 2018. Throughout his arduous journey, Franco drew strength from his unwavering faith, which became a beacon of hope during tumultuous times. (Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer)
North Texas has witnessed a vibrant growth of the Venezuelan community, marked by the establishment of traditional restaurants that serve authentic cuisine, the formation of kickingball teams—an engaging sport predominantly played by women—and an increasing number of stores that offer cherished products from their homeland.
According to the 2022 US Census American Community Survey, Texas ranks as the state with the second-largest population of Venezuelans in the United States, trailing only Florida.
In the past decade, nearly 8 million Venezuelans have embarked on a perilous journey, fleeing oppressive regimes and seeking refuge at the U.S.-Mexico border, as reported by the Washington Office on Latin American Affairs, a key advocacy and research organization.
Among these brave individuals is Liliana Andrea Araujo, who made the heart-wrenching decision to leave her two daughters behind in Venezuela as she embarked on the same perilous journey to Dallas-Fort Worth that her husband, Pedro Ortega, had undertaken a year prior. He carried with him a bag that symbolized his promise to one of their daughters—a poignant reminder of the bond they share.
Like Araujo, Beckenbauer Franco was also carrying a deeply personal keepsake as he fled the turmoil of his homeland: a handwritten letter from his daughter accompanied by a touching drawing she created of him.
Migrants support each other on difficult journey to the United States
Araujo, 42, successfully arrived in the United States from Venezuela in May 2023, aided by her husband, who had paved the way by emigrating the previous year.
Tragedy struck in October 2023 when Araujo was shot while diligently working as part of a cleanup crew at the State Fair of Texas. Despite being rushed to the hospital for urgent medical care, she continues to grapple with the persistent pain from the incident.
Reflecting on her traumatic experience, Araujo exclaimed, “The only thing I could think was: am I going to die here? Do I come so far to die here? After everything I survived?” This poignant question encapsulated her fears of reaching the United States, only to face another devastating ordeal.
Prior to fleeing Venezuela, Araujo was riddled with doubt about whether to abandon her life, family, and daughters in search of a better future. However, as their economic situation deteriorated further with each passing day, the decision grew clearer.
In March 2023, she hugged her daughters, aged 16 and 21, bidding them farewell. Her younger daughter gifted her a small light purple Totto bag, a well-known brand in Venezuela, expressing her hope that it would accompany Araujo to the United States. This gesture underscored the love and support that would remain between them, despite the distance.
Throughout her harrowing journey, Araujo clung to that very bag, which she carried through Central America and Mexico. It represented a promise she vowed to her daughter: not only to reach the United States but also to send financial support for essentials like food, school supplies, and even a new bag for her daughter.
Araujo maintained regular communication with her husband, speaking at least twice daily, yet there were daunting days when the journey felt insurmountable. The fear of the unknown loomed large, particularly thoughts of potential kidnapping or assault, which had tragically befallen other women on similar treks.
Read more at The Dallas Morning News
Interview with Beckenbauer Franco and Liliana Andrea Araujo: Resilience on the Venezuelan Migrant Journey
Editor: Thank you both for joining us today. Your journey from Venezuela to North Texas is incredibly moving. Beckenbauer, can you start by sharing what prompted your decision to leave Venezuela?
Beckenbauer Franco: Absolutely. The situation in Venezuela has become increasingly dire. I faced detainment during protests in 2018, and it became clear that staying put meant risking not just my own freedom, but potentially my life. I left with the hope of giving my daughter a better future, fueled by faith and the belief that life can get better.
Editor: That’s a profound motivation. Liliana, your story is equally compelling. Leaving your daughters behind must have been an agonizing decision. How did you cope with that emotional weight on your journey?
Liliana Andrea Araujo: It was incredibly hard. I carried a light purple Totto bag as a reminder of my daughters and our promise to each other. I even faced gunfire on my way here, which made me question everything. But it was my love for them that kept me going. Every step I took was with the intent to reunite and build a brighter future for all of us.
Editor: A harrowing experience to say the least. Beckenbauer, you mentioned before how your faith has played a crucial role during your trials. Can you expand on that?
Beckenbauer: Faith has been my anchor. It reminded me that I’m not alone in my struggles. It brought me hope during the darkest moments of my journey. When I faced uncertainty about our future, I held onto that hope and used it to motivate those around me to keep pushing forward.
Editor: Liliana, your arrival in North Texas marked the beginning of a new chapter. Can you tell us about the Venezuelan community you’ve found here and how it has supported you?
Liliana: The community here is vibrant and welcoming. We’ve formed connections through local Venezuelan restaurants and even the kickingball leagues, which have surprisingly become a big part of our social life. These bonds help us heal and celebrate our culture while navigating our new lives. The laughter, the familiar tastes of arepas—it all brings us comfort.
Editor: It certainly sounds like a testament to resilience and community. Beckenbauer, as you integrate into American society, what do you hope for the future of Venezuelans here in Texas?
Beckenbauer: I hope we continue to build a stronger community, where our stories and culture are shared and celebrated. Our journey is filled with struggles, but it’s also rich in hope and perseverance. I believe we can make a meaningful impact here and thrive together.
Editor: That’s a powerful vision. Thank you both for sharing your stories today. Your journey is a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of community.
Liliana: Thank you for giving us a platform to share our experiences.
Beckenbauer: Yes, thank you. We hope our stories inspire others to understand and support the migrant experience.
Liliana Andrea Araujo: The Venezuelan community in North Texas has been amazing. It’s like finding a piece of home in a foreign land. We have traditional restaurants where I can enjoy arepas and connect with authentic flavors from Venezuela. There’s been an outpouring of support, from neighbors helping with groceries to forming kickingball leagues that have helped us bond and feel less isolated. It’s heartwarming to see how everyone comes together to uplift one another.
Editor: That’s wonderful to hear! Building a community must be key to recovering from such traumatic experiences. Beckenbauer, as you’ve started to settle into your new life, what are some of the challenges you still face here, and how do you tackle those?
Beckenbauer Franco: One major challenge is navigating the legal system here while trying to secure residency and work permits. It can be overwhelming at times, but I’ve found solace and assistance through local organizations that advocate for immigrant rights. Additionally, staying connected with others who share similar experiences helps us not to feel alone in our struggles.
Editor: That unity is so vital. Liliana, as you both build your new lives, what are your hopes for the future, not just for yourselves but also for your daughters back in Venezuela?
Liliana Andrea Araujo: My primary hope is to reunite with my daughters soon. I want them to have the opportunities we never had back home. I aim to provide them with a stable environment where education and safety are priorities. Ultimately, I want them to fulfill their dreams without the fear and limitations we faced in Venezuela.
Editor: A heartfelt wish indeed. Beckenbauer, if there’s one message you would like to convey to those who are unaware of the struggles faced by Venezuelan migrants, what would it be?
Beckenbauer Franco: I would say to remember that behind every statistic, there’s a human being with hopes, dreams, and sacrifices. We haven’t chosen this journey lightly. The human spirit is incredibly resilient, but we need compassion and understanding from those around us. Every act of kindness creates a ripple effect in the lives of migrants.
Editor: Thank you both for sharing your powerful stories. Your resilience and hope are truly inspiring, and it’s essential that we continue to shed light on these journeys. Together, may we dig for understanding and foster communities that uplift one another.
Liliana Andrea Araujo and Beckenbauer Franco: Thank you for having us and for highlighting our experiences!
