By Stefano Pozzebon, CNN(CNN) — Gaby Duarte believed the United States would offer her family protection after they fled political persecution in Venezuela. That sense of safety collapsed on Friday, when García was jailed, not by Venezuelan security forces, but by US immigration authorities. In Venezuela, García faced up to 15 months in prison for opposing the authoritarian then President Nicolas Maduro. Duarte fears that if he loses his case, García could be deported back to Venezuela, now led by Maduro’s former deputy Delcy Rodríguez. Duarte told CNN she and her husband had Social Security numbers and were living close to Yohama, who is a permanent resident.