In a breakthrough diplomatic arrangement, the Biden administration has successfully secured the release of ten Americans who had been wrongfully detained in Venezuela. The deal, negotiated between the Biden administration and the Venezuelan government, involved the release of an ally of President Nicolás Maduro, Alex Saab, in exchange for the American citizens.

The ten Americans are set to arrive on American soil Wednesday night, with the plane carrying them scheduled to land in San Antonio. The administration has chosen not to disclose the flight's origin, only stating that it did not take off from Venezuela.

Among the released individuals are Eyvin Hernandez, Jerrel Kenemore, Joseph Cristella, and Savoi Wright. The State Department has identified these four individuals as wrongfully detained. For privacy reasons, the names of the remaining six Americans have not been disclosed.

The released Americans and their families expressed their relief and gratitude for their safe return. Savoi Wright's family issued a statement expressing their thanks to the U.S. government, as well as individuals such as Mickey Bergman from the Richardson Center and Jonathan Franks, who provided guidance throughout the ordeal.

President Joe Biden also weighed in on the matter, acknowledging the hardships endured by the wrongfully detained Americans and their families. He declared that he was grateful for the resolution of their ordeal and that these families can be reunited once again.

The negotiations resulted in the arrest and repatriation of Leonard Francis, more commonly known as "Fat Leonard." Francis was responsible for one of the most notorious bribery scandals in U.S. Navy history. Last year, he escaped house arrest by removing his ankle monitoring bracelet and fled to Venezuela. However, as part of the agreement, he has been apprehended and returned to the U.S.

A senior administration official emphasized that President Biden had to make a difficult decision in offering something that the Venezuelan counterparts had actively sought. To secure the release of the American citizens, Biden granted clemency to Alex Saab, who was facing trial for money laundering, allowing his return to Venezuela.

As part of the deal, the Maduro government has agreed to release 20 Venezuelan political prisoners, including Roberto Abdul, a member of the opposition party. Additionally, the government will suspend the arrest warrants for three other Venezuelans.

The relaxation of U.S. sanctions on Venezuela in October was contingent upon progress towards free and fair elections. The Biden administration has warned that if both American and Venezuelan political prisoners were not released, the sanctions relief could be withdrawn.

Qatar played a facilitating role in the negotiations between the Maduro government and the Biden administration. Talks included Secretary of State Antony Blinken, national security adviser Jake Sullivan, and deputy national security adviser Jon Finer. These discussions began in May and aimed to pave the way for a competitive election in 2024 and the liberation of the wrongfully detained Americans.

President Biden affirmed his commitment to securing the release of all hostages and detained Americans worldwide, including those in Gaza and individuals such as Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan in Russia.

The successful release of ten Americans from Venezuelan detention marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of the Biden administration to protect the rights and well-being of American citizens abroad.