U.S. Congresswoman Demands Release of American Held in Venezuela

A U.S. congresswoman is pressuring the State Department to secure the freedom of an American citizen from New York who may be detained in Venezuela. Republican Representative Nicole Malliotakis says one of her constituents is being held. She is calling for immediate action by U.S. officials. The reported detention occurs during a deep political and economic crisis in Venezuela. The South American nation's government is often accused of unlawfully holding foreign nationals for political leverage. Malliotakis has not released the citizen's name or the specific circumstances of the case. The U.S. State Department has a longstanding policy of not commenting publicly on potential hostage situations. The congresswoman argues the Biden administration must prioritize this case. She says securing the safe return of wrongfully detained Americans is a fundamental duty.