The United States on Tuesday secured successful release of a US Air Force veteran who was "wrongfully detained" in Venezuela.
Joe St. Clair , who was detained in November 2024, is now back in America.
"Joe St. Clair is back in America. I met Venezuelan officials in a neutral country today to negotiate an America First strategy. This is only possible because (US President) Donald Trump puts Americans first," special presidential envoy Richard Grenell posted on X, adding photos of himself and the freed veteran.
In a statement, St. Clair's parents said the news of his release "came suddenly."
"This news came suddenly and we are still processing it. But we are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude," the statements quoted his parents, Scott and Patti, as saying.
The St. Claires also expressed gratitude to both President Trump and Grenell.
Further, they thanked advocacy organizations for providing assistance in the case.
However, the statement did not mention the conditions under which their son had been detained.
St. Claire's release comes nearly four months after Venezuela freed six Americans detained in the South American nation. This was presented as a diplomatic breakthrough of sorts with as the US views the Venezuelan government as "hostile."
At the time Grenell, who serves in a broad role as envoy for special missions, flew to Venezuela's capital Caracas and met with President Nicolas Maduro, who had called for a "new beginning" in ties with Washington.
The US accuses Maduro of "stealing" Venezuela's 2024 presidential election.
(With AFP inputs)
Joe St. Clair , who was detained in November 2024, is now back in America.
"Joe St. Clair is back in America. I met Venezuelan officials in a neutral country today to negotiate an America First strategy. This is only possible because (US President) Donald Trump puts Americans first," special presidential envoy Richard Grenell posted on X, adding photos of himself and the freed veteran.
Joe St. Clair is back in America.
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) May 20, 2025
I met Venezuelan officials in a neutral country today to negotiate an America First strategy.
This is only possible because @realDonaldTrump puts Americans first. @tsori233 pic.twitter.com/BItEnF9Ngg
In a statement, St. Clair's parents said the news of his release "came suddenly."
"This news came suddenly and we are still processing it. But we are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude," the statements quoted his parents, Scott and Patti, as saying.
I have gotten to know the St. Clairs well since their son Joseph — a decorated veteran — was wrongfully detained by the Maduro regime. I am so excited that Joseph is reunited with his family. Welcome home! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/eLlpsADsym
— Adam Boehler (@aboehler) May 21, 2025
The St. Claires also expressed gratitude to both President Trump and Grenell.
Further, they thanked advocacy organizations for providing assistance in the case.
However, the statement did not mention the conditions under which their son had been detained.
St. Claire's release comes nearly four months after Venezuela freed six Americans detained in the South American nation. This was presented as a diplomatic breakthrough of sorts with as the US views the Venezuelan government as "hostile."
At the time Grenell, who serves in a broad role as envoy for special missions, flew to Venezuela's capital Caracas and met with President Nicolas Maduro, who had called for a "new beginning" in ties with Washington.
The US accuses Maduro of "stealing" Venezuela's 2024 presidential election.
(With AFP inputs)
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