Florida Senators Ashley Moody (R) and Rick Scott (R) sent a letter to the Secretary of Defense, Marco Rubio, applauding him for putting pressure on the Venezuelan regime to release U.S. citizens wrongfully imprisoned in the country.
“Thank you for your dedication to protecting Americans abroad, restoring peace through strength, and working to get every citizen held as political prisoners around the world home,” the letter read. “The release of seven Americans wrongfully imprisoned in Venezuela this year represents a crucial victory in the fight against the brutal, illegitimate regime of Dictator Nicolás Maduro. We are profoundly grateful to you.”
The letter continues by slamming the Obama and Biden administrations, calling their negotiations with the Venezuelan regime “appeasement policies” that only sought to bring more instability and “evil” to the region.
The senators go on to thank the Trump administration for designating the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, as a terrorist organization and ask President Donald Trump to designate a couple of other Venezuelan gangs as terrorist organizations as well.
“It is my hope that the administration is considering adding Cartel de los Soles, and La Direccion General de Contrainteligencia Militar (DGCIM) (General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence of the Government of Venezuela) to the list of terrorist organizations,” the senators wrote.
The senators close the letter, encouraging the Department of State to “continue using any and all appropriate measures to bring home those who remain unjustly detained by Maduro's criminal regime. Every American detained abroad deserves the full support of their government, and we must act decisively to ensure their safe return. Thank you again for your tireless efforts.”
On January 31, 2025, Venezuela released six Americans from prison after President Trump met with President Nicolás Maduro. Reports say Venezuela still holds eight more Americans, and many are calling for their release as well.
