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American James Luckey-Lange Freed from Venezuelan Prison

1/19/2026

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Luckey-Lange Freed

The U.S. State Department confirmed James Luckey-Lange's release from a Venezuelan prison, the first known freeing of Americans since Maduro's capture.
Luckey-Lange is a 28-year-old from Staten Island who had been detained since early December.
His family lost contact with him during travels in South America.
The case underscores Venezuela's political prisoners, with 800–900 remaining incarcerated.
Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) thanked the community and looks forward to Luckey-Lange's return.

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Castillo's Prison Struggle

Renzo Humanchumo Castillo, a Peruvian-American, was detained in Venezuela nearly a year on terrorism and conspiracy charges.
Rosa Carolina Chirino Zambrano, his wife, was recently released after being imprisoned alongside him.
Castillo described harsh conditions and torture in the El Rodeo prison.
After Nicolas Maduro was captured by United States forces, Castillo expressed hope for Zambrano's future and praised the administration of United States President Donald Trump for addressing Maduro.

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Luckey-Lange Freed

The U.S. State Department confirmed James Luckey-Lange's release from a Venezuelan prison, the first known freeing of Americans since Maduro's capture.
Luckey-Lange is a 28-year-old from Staten Island who had been detained since early December.
His family lost contact with him during travels in South America.
The case underscores Venezuela's political prisoners, with 800–900 remaining incarcerated.
Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) thanked the community and looks forward to Luckey-Lange's return.

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