In January of this year, President Trump assigned Ric Grenell as a special envoy for a mission to Venezuela, a move that stirred little attention in the media. A brief investigation reveals scant coverage of this trip—almost as if it were a secret diplomatic mission.
This situation was brought to my attention by an individual connected to the January 6 events. Without hesitation, I felt compelled to shine a light on this issue, as it is crucial for the American public to be informed.
At the time of Grenell’s visit, an undisclosed number of American citizens were being held captive by Nicolás Maduro’s regime—a government whose legitimacy is hotly debated. Reports varied on the number of hostages, suggesting anywhere from six to ten individuals were imprisoned under appalling conditions. Following his meeting with Maduro, Grenell emerged with news of the release of six American hostages.
This was undoubtedly a significant triumph for those six hostages, Grenell, the new Trump administration, and the United States as a whole. The six men were flown home, escaping the dire conditions of their Venezuelan captors. President Trump took to social media to express his pride in his team and Grenell’s successful mission.
All smiles on board the plane!
Thank you Ric Grenell! pic.twitter.com/IJu2McoOqK
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) February 1, 2025
However, what remains largely unreported is that nine American hostages continue to languish in the very same prison from which the six were freed—making them the largest group of American hostages in a single foreign prison worldwide.
Among these nine are Joseph St. Clair, an Air Force veteran, and Wilbert Casteneda, an active-duty Navy SEAL. Both men were abducted by Maduro’s government, though the duration of their captivity remains uncertain due to poor communication.
Scott St. Clair, Joseph’s father, has been advocating tirelessly for his son since learning of his abduction following the release of the six hostages in January. “I received a call from an international number and, against all odds, I answered,” he recounted. “It was a call informing me that my son was being held; I had no idea prior to that.”
Joseph, a highly decorated USAF veteran, was diagnosed with PTSD after his service. At the time of his abduction, he was working as a linguist in Colombia, reportedly near the Colombia-Venezuela border when he was taken.
Christian Casteneda, brother of the Navy SEAL Wilbert, has received scant updates about his sibling. As of January 31st, he learned only that Wilbert was still alive. The lack of communication is agonizing for the families involved, leaving them in the dark about their loved ones’ fates.
Proof of life has yet to be offered to any of the families, but through this shared suffering, the families have come together, forming a supportive community.
Though some officials within the Trump administration have reached out to the families, these nine men remain imprisoned. It is imperative that the American populace rallies to support these families; this plight transcends political affiliations and should be a universally acknowledged concern.
While there are representatives fighting for the rights of criminals and undocumented immigrants, we have two young men—who have fought for our freedoms—being subjected to unimaginable conditions in one of the world’s most notorious prisons. It is a source of outrage that this situation has been largely overlooked.
@realDonaldTrump @aboehler
OUR FAMILY IS CONFIDENT IN YOUR LEADERSHIP AND TRACK RECORD WITH HOSTAGE RELEASES. BUT WE ARE VERY UPSET THAT MADURO REFUSES TO SHOW PROOF OF LIFE FOR OUR SON WHO SUFFERS FROM PTSD. FORCIBLE DISAPPEARANCE LEAVES US BLIND AND CONCERNED ABOUT HIS WELL… pic.twitter.com/kw1xAlcdRF— StC Sola Fide (@tsori233) March 28, 2025
On April 30th, a rally and mural unveiling will take place in Washington, DC, to honor the nine hostages still trapped in a foreign prison governed by a regime whose legitimacy is highly suspect.
Families are urging anyone who can be in DC to join them in advocating for these American brothers, fathers, sons, uncles, and friends. If attending is not possible, please help spread awareness by sharing this information. Visit BringOurFamiliesHome.org for more details.
