Former Venezuelan Mayor Detained by ICE in Ohio

Family seeks release of Carlos Garcia-Oden, who fled political persecution in Venezuela

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Carlos Garcia-Oden, a former mayor in Venezuela who fled the country fearing political persecution, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Ohio after living in the Tri-State area for four years. His family is now seeking his release as he faces possible deportation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants and refugees seeking asylum in the U.S., especially in the wake of policy changes that have impacted protections for Venezuelans. It also raises questions about the treatment of political dissidents who flee authoritarian regimes.

The details

Garcia-Oden served as mayor in his Venezuelan hometown of Mérida for four years last decade. His family said his time in office put him at odds with the country's then-president Nicolas Maduro, who wanted to imprison him. Garcia-Oden and his family fled Venezuela in 2022, crossing into the U.S. at the Texas border. After moving to the Cincinnati area, Garcia-Oden and his wife checked in with ICE 28 times as part of a political asylum application, and he was granted Temporary Protected Status with a work permit valid through 2030. However, after the U.S. captured Maduro earlier this year, the Trump administration revoked that protected status for many Venezuelans. During Garcia-Oden's latest check-in last month, ICE arrested and detained him at the Butler County Jail, and began deportation proceedings against him.

  • Garcia-Oden served as mayor in Mérida, Venezuela from 2013 to 2017.
  • Garcia-Oden and his family fled Venezuela and crossed into the U.S. at the Texas border in 2022.
  • Garcia-Oden and his wife checked in with ICE 28 times as part of his asylum application after moving to the Cincinnati area.
  • Garcia-Oden was granted Temporary Protected Status with a work permit valid through 2030.
  • ICE arrested Garcia-Oden during his latest check-in last month (February 2026) and began deportation proceedings.

The players

Carlos Garcia-Oden

A former mayor in Venezuela who fled the country fearing political persecution and has been living in the Tri-State area of Ohio for the past four years.

Gavy Duarte

Garcia-Oden's wife of 10 years.

Nicolas Maduro

The former president of Venezuela who wanted to imprison Garcia-Oden for his political opposition.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that has detained Garcia-Oden and initiated deportation proceedings against him.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president whose administration revoked Temporary Protected Status for many Venezuelans like Garcia-Oden.

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What they’re saying

“They took him without cause, without reason. They didn't tell her the reason they were taking him. There was no reason for taking him.”

— Sigrid Spradlin, Family friend translating for Gavy Duarte (local12.com)

“Terrible, terrible, terrible. 'Fue un impacto, porque yo nunca pensé que eso iba a suceder.'”

— Gavy Duarte, Garcia-Oden's wife (local12.com)

What’s next

Garcia-Oden's next deportation or asylum hearing has not yet been scheduled.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants and refugees seeking asylum in the U.S., especially in the wake of policy changes that have impacted protections for Venezuelans like Garcia-Oden who are fleeing political persecution in their home countries.