The United States announced today, Friday, the return of 10 Americans who had been detained in Venezuela, more than five months after the release of six others who were also imprisoned.

In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: "Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and his commitment to the American people, the United States welcomes the return of 10 Americans who had been detained in Venezuela. Until today, Venezuela held more unjustly detained Americans than any other country in the world."

Rubio added: "It is unacceptable for representatives of the Venezuelan regime to arrest American citizens and imprison them under highly suspicious conditions without due legal process. Every American unjustly detained in Venezuela is now free and has returned home."

He expressed gratitude to his team at the State Department and partners in other government agencies, as well as "especially Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele for their work in securing these long-awaited releases and for their efforts to ensure the safety of American citizens at home and abroad."

Rubio affirmed: "Our commitment to the American people is clear—we will protect the safety of U.S. citizens at home and abroad, and we will not rest until all American hostages or those unjustly detained around the world are brought home."

He also welcomed "the release of Venezuelan prisoners and political detainees who have also been freed from Venezuelan jails."

Rubio emphasized that the Trump administration "will continue to support the restoration of democracy in Venezuela. The regime must cease using arbitrary detention as a tool of political repression. We reiterate our call for the unconditional release of remaining political prisoners and foreign citizens unjustly and arbitrarily detained."

U.S. Recognizes Opposition Candidate as Legitimate Winner

Last August, the United States recognized Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González as the legitimate winner of the July 2024 presidential elections, citing "overwhelming evidence."

The U.S. administration stated that it "rejects (Venezuelan President Nicolás) Maduro’s unsubstantiated claims against opposition leaders," asserting that "Maduro and his representatives’ threats to arrest opposition figures—including Edmundo González (the opposition candidate) and María Corina Machado (opposition leader)—are undemocratic attempts to suppress political participation and cling to power," according to a previous statement.

Protests Erupt in Venezuela

Protests have broken out in Venezuela against the declared victory of outgoing President Maduro, who has ruled the country since the death of former President Hugo Chávez in 2013.