U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and Brian Schatz, both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have spearheaded an initiative urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to intensify efforts to secure the release of Americans wrongfully detained in Venezuela. This appeal is supported by a bipartisan group of 18 senators.
The senators’ letter acknowledges recent successes by the Department of State, notably the release of six Americans on January 31, 2025, and another individual on May 20. The letter states: “We commend the Department of State for securing the January 31, 2025 release of six Americans who had been wrongfully detained in Venezuela, as well as the May 20 release of one additional wrongful detainee. Their return is a positive and important step.”
Despite these achievements, at least eight Americans remain imprisoned in Venezuela. The letter highlights this ongoing issue: “Today, at least eight Americans remain wrongfully detained in Venezuela, denied their freedom, separated from their loved ones, and unable to continue their lives. Their imprisonment is an ongoing injustice that necessitates immediate and decisive action by the U.S. government.”
The group pledges continued support for efforts to bring these individuals home: “We stand ready to work with you to ensure that every American wrongfully detained in Venezuela is returned home without further delay.”
The initiative includes contributions from Senators Jim Risch, Ruben Gallego, John Cornyn, Chris Van Hollen, Raphael Warnock, Kirsten Gillibrand, John Fetterman, Alex Padilla, Tim Kaine, Mazie K. Hirono, Chris Coons, Angela Alsobrooks, Mark Kelly, Mark Warner, Adam Schiff and Jeanne Shaheen.
