Eyvin Hernandez, a 44-year-old Los Angeles County Public Defender, was among the ten American prisoners released in a Venezuela-U.S. prisoner exchange. Hernandez, who had been wrongfully detained for nearly two years, was kidnapped near the Colombia-Venezuela border in March 2022. Accused of being an American spy after refusing to pay a bribe, his family sought the Biden administration’s help for his release.
After months of pleas, news of Hernandez’s release brought joy to his loved ones. Born in El Salvador, he immigrated to the U.S. as a toddler, grew up in the Los Angeles area, and became a UCLA School of Law graduate. Joining the L.A. County Public Defender’s Office in 2006, Hernandez dedicated his career to legal advocacy.
His family, expressing gratitude for his release, emphasized Hernandez’s endurance of “horrible conditions and abuse” during his unjust imprisonment. The UCLA alumnus, returning home after the largest release of American prisoners in Venezuela’s history, thanked his family, friends, and President Biden for securing their freedom.
The release was part of a larger deal, involving Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s commitment to “work toward free and fair conditions for the 2024 presidential election.” In exchange, the U.S. agreed to suspend some sanctions. President Biden hailed the return of all American prisoners held in Venezuela, marking a significant diplomatic development.
California Congresswoman Nanette Barragán and others expressed relief at Hernandez’s release, emphasizing that he should never have endured arrest and detention under Maduro’s government. The Congressman thanked President Biden for the administration’s efforts in ensuring the safe return of the fellow Angeleno, allowing him to spend the holidays with his family.