LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass today issued the following statement after Eyvin Hernandez, who had been unlawfully detained in Venezuela for the past 20 months, returned to the United States.
"Eyvin Hernandez landed on U.S. soil this evening thanks to tireless advocacy by his friends and family as well as steadfast leadership by the Biden-Harris Administration. When I served in Congress as the Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Global Human Rights, my office worked with Eyvin's coworkers and the Hernandez family and connected them with the State Department as well as with other elected officials who became engaged on this issue as well. I want to especially thank Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove for ensuring that the voices urging for Eyvin's return continued to be heard. On behalf of the entire City of Los Angeles, welcome home Eyvin."
Following Mr. Hernandez's return to the United States, Bring Eyvin Home released the following statement on social media:
"We would like to thank @KarenBassLA. Representative Bass was the first government official to fight for Eyvin and she continued her advocacy until Eyvin was freed. We are forever grateful, and look forward to @MayorOfLA Bass welcoming Eyvin back to the City of Angels!"