WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44) joined Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Rep. Young Kim (CA-40), and Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20), in introducing a resolution calling for the immediate release of fellow Angeleno Eyvin Hernandez, an LA County public defender and UCLA School of Law alum, who was wrongfully detained in Venezuela on March 31, 2022.
“Eyvin Hernandez’s continued wrongful detention in Venezuela is unacceptable and it’s time for him to come home,” said Rep. Barragán, chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. “Mr. Hernandez had no intention of entering Venezuela, and the charges brought against him have been shown to be completely false. We made clear to President Biden in December, that the judicial system in Venezuela is highly compromised, and any trial against Eyvin is unlikely to be carried out in a just manner or produce a fair result. His family, friends, and colleagues have been waiting anxiously for over a year for his safe return. Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove and I are proud to lead the call for the immediate release of our fellow Angeleno, Eyvin Hernandez, and encourage President Biden and his Administration to use all available means to quickly do so.”
Eyvin is a dedicated public servant and a deeply beloved member of the community known for his devotion to justice, respect for humanity, and willingness to help others. For over a year, he has been unjustly imprisoned in Venezuela, and his capture has been heart-wrenching for his family, friends, and loved ones. The State Department’s Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs has been working tirelessly to secure his release, but there has yet to be a breakthrough. Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove is introducing this resolution to demonstrate that Eyvin will not be forgotten and that she will continue fighting to bring Eyvin home, no matter how long it takes.
“Eyvin Hernandez represents the best of our district. He has touched countless lives through his work as a public defender, his mentorship of aspiring law students, volunteer work as a juvenile justice advocate, and leadership of his local union. The positive impact he has made in our community cannot be overstated. His impact has galvanized a calition of his loved ones to advocate on his behalf and ensure he is not forgotten,” said Rep. Kamlager-Dove.
Details: To see a full text of the resolution, click here.
To view a one-pager on Eyvin’s case and the resolution, click here.