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Despite the joyous end to this immediate hostage situation, concerns remained. Reports indicate that at least six more Americans could still be detained in Venezuela. The negotiator affirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to pursuing the release of these individuals, stating that they would return to make further appeals to the Venezuelan authorities.
Reflecting on the egregious oversight of the prior administration, the negotiator criticized the Biden administration for its lack of proactive measures, such as wellness checks for detained Americans, who had been maintained in dark and uncertain conditions without due process.