There is growing frustration among the families of Americans detained abroad who feel that President Joe Biden must act to ensure the quick release of their loved ones -- some of whom have spent years imprisoned overseas -- and that not enough is being done to make those cases a priority.
This mounting anger and distress was underscored this week by the attempted suicide of Matthew Heath, a Marine veteran who has been imprisoned in Venezuela for nearly two years, as well as a "logistical error" that left detained WNBA star Brittney Griner unable to call her wife, with whom she hasn't spoken in more than 100 days, on their anniversary.
A number of family members of US hostages and detainees had initially expressed a great deal of optimism and hope when the Biden administration took office in January 2021, particularly in light of a virtual meeting held by Secretary of State Antony Blinken with the family members in early February 2021. A senior State Department official said Blinken will meet virtually again with families on Wednesday.