A group of seven Americans are pictured with their families and officials upon returning to the United States after being detained in Venezuela.
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How the US government brought seven Americans home
Early Start
Nearly five years to the day that the "Citgo 6's" plight began, CNN has learned new details about the extensive efforts leading up to the release of the seven Americans and the day they were freed, as well as the pleas from the family of one of the at least four US citizens who were left behind.
03:15 - Source: CNN
Politics of the Day 16 videos
A group of seven Americans are pictured with their families and officials upon returning to the United States after being detained in Venezuela.
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How the US government brought seven Americans home
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Leavitt confirms to reporters that Trump administration is working toward Putin-Zelensky meeting
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Trump refers to himself as a 'war hero' when calling Netanyahu one
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Body language expert breaks down Trump-Putin meeting
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Witkoff: US aims for consensus with Zelensky ahead of possible trilateral talks
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Hear why Zakaria calls Trump-Putin summit ‘cringeworthy’
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Analysis: What to expect from Zelensky-Trump meeting
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Spike Lee’s work is in the Smithsonian. See his reaction to Trump orders
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'Trump did not lose, but Putin clearly won': Bolton reacts to Alaska summit
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Putin makes confused expression as journalists ask about Ukraine
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Trump and Putin land in Alaska for historic summit
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DC attorney general sues Trump admin. over police takeover
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 14: California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks about California redistricting plans at a press conference at the Democracy Center, Japanese American Museum on August 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Newsom spoke about a possible California referendum on redistricting to counter the legislative effort to add five Republican House seats in the state of Texas. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
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Gavin Newsom responds to federal immigration raid outside his news conference
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Putin praises Trump for 'sincere' efforts to end war
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JD Vance’s visit to Cotswolds draws locals to protest
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Paul Whelan, an American citizen unjustly held in Russia, speaks with CNN's Jake Tapper about the forthcoming Alaska summit involving President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Whelan also shares insights into his experience in captivity.
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Whelan on Trump-Putin summit: ‘Trump is trying to make a deal with the devil’
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