Patel pledges full FBI resources to ensure that Americans are not unfairly detained overseas.
FBI Director Kash Patel reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to securing the overseas release of American hostages and detainees on March 6, declaring that his team would work to “zero” the number of US citizens who have been taken prisoner abroad.
Patel spoke at a flag-raising ceremony at the State Department honouring the hostage community and their families.
“My idiosyncratic commitment to you in this community is that as the director of the FBI, I do everything to help other American families don’t feel the pain,” Patel said.
The event brought together former hostages, detainees and their families, along with government officials and representatives from Congress who were involved in US hostage recovery efforts.
Patel said the recovery of Americans incarcerated abroad is a top priority for the Trump administration and a mission that involves close coordination between multiple agencies, including the FBI, the State Department and the intelligence reporting community.
“For me, there’s no agency that can do this, and it’s an interagency process,” Patel said.
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“We will utilize the full weight between agencies and work with partners in the CIA and intelligence news community to destroy any political obstacles that are getting in the way.”
His comments came as the administration continues its efforts to bring Americans in detention homes in Russia, Venezuela and other countries.
The US government is also working to secure the release of Americans still held by Hamasterolist groups since the Land, Sea and Air Force attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Adam Berler, the candidate for President Donald Trump to become a hostage envoy, has led negotiations with Hamas to promote their return.
Patel referred to the case of Bob Levinson, a retired FBI agent who went missing in Iran 18 years ago, as a strict reminder of the remaining work. Talking to hostage families, he urged them to continue sharing the story and help raise public awareness.
“Americans don’t know all of your stories. You understand why this administration places such emphasis on these issues because it’s the best way to communicate with the American people,” Patel said.
Patel expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the FBI when hostage rescue is the central focus. He repeatedly used the bureau’s full legal authority to prevent more Americans from being taken away and bring the current hostages home.
“We haven’t everyone returned yet,” he said. “Whatever the legitimate authorities we have at the FBI, we give you 24/7 365 days a year to make sure you’re putting this number to zero and make sure others don’t get into situations that you know too well now.”
The FBI’s hostage recovery efforts are coordinated through a multi-purpose fusion cell, specialising in cases involving foreign prisoners of Americans. Meanwhile, the State Department oversees diplomatic negotiations through a special presidential envoy on the hostages issue. The baller, nominated for the role, emphasized the administration’s determination to bring all hostages home.
“When the president asked if there was a job I wanted to focus on, I told him this was the only thing I could see,” Bowler said at the event. “For this country, I don’t think there’s anything more important than everyone knows that the country has a back if they’re being taken abroad.”
Patel concluded his statement with a message of solidarity with the hostage families, ensuring that their loved ones have not been forgotten.
“We’re going to bring hostages and detainees home, and we’re going to bring closures to families who have been waiting so long,” he said.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
