Carlos García, a 42-year-old former Venezuelan mayor, is currently fighting deportation from the United States. He was detained on January 23 by agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and is being held at a detention center in Butler County, Ohio, where he lives with his wife and children. García was arrested during a routine immigration check, despite having a pending asylum application.
A History of Political Opposition
García served as mayor of Mérida, Venezuela, from 2013 to 2017. He was removed from office by the Venezuelan Supreme Court, controlled by the government of Nicolás Maduro, and sentenced to 15 months in prison for what authorities described as inaction during protests against the Maduro regime. Following his removal, García fled Venezuela, first to Colombia, and then to the United States in 2022 with his family.
Upon arriving in the United States, García and his family received Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a benefit that has since been eliminated by the Trump administration. They had been attending immigration appointments every three months since February 1, 2022.
Deportation to Ecuador
The Department of Homeland Security is now seeking García’s deportation to Ecuador. His wife, Gabriela Duarte, stated that García has no family or support network in Ecuador and has never sought protection there. She expressed concern that he would be isolated and far from his family if deported.
Recent political developments in Venezuela, including the detention of opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa, have raised concerns among exiled Venezuelans about the safety of returning to the country. A recently proposed amnesty law has similarly been criticized for not adequately addressing the needs of political prisoners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Carlos García’s position in Venezuela?
Carlos García was the mayor of Mérida, Venezuela, from 2013 to 2017.
Why was Carlos García arrested by ICE?
Carlos García was arrested by ICE during a routine immigration check, despite having a pending asylum application.
Where is Carlos García currently being held?
Carlos García is currently being held at a detention center in Butler County, Ohio.
As García’s case unfolds, what will be the impact on his family and his future, and how will the legal proceedings ultimately determine his fate?
