Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday that ten Americans detained in Venezuela have been released and are returning to the United States. This development marks the end of a prolonged period in which U.S. nationals were held in the country, with all detainees now accounted for and brought back to their homeland. The release is the result of a complex prisoner exchange between the Trump administration and El Salvador, which involved the latter’s agreement to release hundreds of Venezuelans held in a maximum-security prison in Tecoluca. In return, Salvadoran prisoners detained in Venezuela were freed, facilitating this significant diplomatic outcome.
Rubio expressed gratitude toward President Donald Trump, whose leadership and commitment to the American people were pivotal in securing the release of those detained. He emphasized the administration’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding U.S. nationals abroad, with the stated goal of ensuring that no American citizen remains unjustly detained anywhere in the world. The Secretary of State also extended his appreciation to the State Department, inter-agency partners, and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, noting that the success of the operation was due to their combined efforts.
Rubio’s statement also highlighted the broader context of the administration’s stance on Venezuela, reiterating the U.S. commitment to the restoration of democracy in the country. The Trump administration has consistently criticized the Maduro regime for its use of unjust detentions as a tool of political repression and has called for the unconditional release of all remaining political prisoners and foreign nationals. This latest development is seen as a significant step in the ongoing efforts to counter the regime’s coercive tactics.
The prisoner swap, which took place in March, involved the deportation of several Venezuelans accused of being part of the Tren de Aragua gang. This was done through the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, allowing the U.S. to deport alleged gang members without following formal immigration procedures. However, many of the deportees’ families and lawyers disputed the gang connections, raising questions about the legal and ethical implications of their detention and deportation.
President Bukele of El Salvador commended the successful operation, attributing it to the tireless efforts of officials from both the United States and El Salvador, as well as divine intervention. He acknowledged the challenges faced during the negotiations, particularly with the Maduro regime, which had previously refused to release its hostages. Bukele also highlighted the importance of patience and trust in achieving such outcomes.
The release of the ten Americans includes notable cases, such as Christian Casteneda, whose brother, a Navy SEAL, had been arrested in Caracas last year and was used as a political pawn by the Maduro regime. Casteneda expressed relief at his brother’s release, emphasizing that the family had prayed for this outcome for nearly a year. Similarly, Lucas Hunter, who was kidnapped by Venezuelan border guards in January, was also among those freed. His family expressed hope for his recovery following the ordeal.
The administration’s efforts to secure the release of U.S. nationals from Venezuela have continued since the detention of Joseph St. Clair, an Air Force veteran, in May of this year. His release after six months in custody was the latest in a series of such operations, showcasing the administration’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad. The Trump administration’s actions have been framed as a demonstration of its global leadership and the prioritization of American interests in international affairs.