The government of President Nicolás Maduro released the six unidentified American detainees after a meeting with Richard Grenell, Trump’s envoy for special missions.
His short visit with the South American nation’s controversial three-term president focused on Trump’s intent to deport violent Venezuelan migrants, including members of the vicious Tren de Aragua gang back to their home nation — which does not accept them — and free its American captives.
In a post on X, Grenell announced the release of the six men who were detained as he posed with them aboard an aircraft heading back to the United States.
Grenell, the former acting director of national intelligence during Trump’s first term, celebrated his successful mission on social media.
“We are wheels up and headed home with these 6 American citizens,” he wrote on X with a photo of the six smiling men — one of whom gave a thumbs up while another flashed a peace sign — on an airplane. Four of the men wore identical light-blue uniforms.
“They just spoke to @realDonaldTrump and they couldn’t stop thanking him,” Grenell added.
Trump also took to social media to cheer their release.
“Just been informed that we are bringing six hostages home from Venezuela. Thank you to Ric Grenell and my entire staff. Great job,” the president posted.
While the half-dozen fortunate former prisoners have not yet been identified, there are up to 10 Americans detained by Venezuela, including a Navy SEAL and three Americans arrested by the Maduro government over an alleged anti-government plot last fall.
