The family of a U.S. Air Force veteran who was wrongfully detained\u00a0in Venezuela\u00a0since November 2024, on Tuesday, said he was released.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
St. Clair served four tours in Afghanistan. He was honorably discharged in 2019, however struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression while trying to reenter civilian life. He sought treatment in South America, and was arrested by Venezuelan authorities on the border of Venezuela and Columbia in October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This news came suddenly, and we are still processing it\u2014but we are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude,” said Scott and Patti St. Clair, Joseph’s parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The details surrounding St. Clair’s release were not disclosed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The family also thanked President\u00a0Donald Trump, as well as his administration, for securing St. Clair’s release. Trump, Ambassador Ric Grenell, Adam Boehler and Sebastian Gorka, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, had worked to secure Joseph\u2019s release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We remain in prayer and solidarity with the families of those who are still being held,” the St. Clairs added per Fox News<\/a>. “We will never stop loving and supporting them as they continue their fight to be reunited with their loved ones.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJoe St. Clair is back in America,\u201d Grenell posted to social media along with photos of himself and the Air Force veteran. \u201cI met Venezuelan officials in a neutral country today to negotiate an America First strategy. This is only possible because\u00a0@realDonaldTrump\u00a0puts Americans first.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n