MIAMI (AP) — U.S. immigration authorities have released a Venezuelan opposition activist who was detained a day earlier as he waited to attend a hearing on his request for political asylum.

The abrupt detention of Marco Coello in Miami drew protests from Venezuelans in the U.S. and questions from Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.

Immigration attorney Elizabeth Blandon confirmed that Coello was released Thursday.

Coello was among hundreds of people arrested in Venezuela during protests in 2014 against the government of President Nicolas Maduro. He fled to Miami to avoid imprisonment on charges of inciting violence.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement said he was detained in the U.S. because he overstayed his visa and had a misdemeanor conviction. His lawyer said she did not know of any conviction and ICE did not provide details.

Copyright © 2024 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.