Securing Hostage Freedom
We demand justice and accountability from the government for the release of hostages and for deterrence through investigation and prosecution of hostage takers.
46
The current number of publicly disclosed hostage and wrongful detention cases. The list to the right (current hostages) represents cases in which families have requested public advocacy.
How Do We Determine Who Is a Hostage or Wrongful Detainee?
The Foley Foundation considers the detention of an American to be unlawful or wrongful based on criteria found in the Robert Levinson Hostage-Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act adopted into law in December 2020.
Up to 2 U.S. Nationals held
3 or more U.S. Nationals held
Current Hostages & Wrongful Detainees
2025 Hostage Report
Bringing Americans Home
This first report in our Bringing Americans Home research series for 2025 is a quantitative analysis of the hostage taking and wrongful detainee landscape as it was at the end of 2024 including how the landscape has evolved since 2005. Alarmingly, this analysis reveals that the threat of international abductions continues to grow, particularly the risk of wrongful detention.
2025 Hostage Report
Bringing Americans Home
This first report in our Bringing Americans Home research series for 2025 is a quantitative analysis of the hostage taking and wrongful detainee landscape as it was at the end of 2024 including how the landscape has evolved since 2005. Alarmingly, this analysis reveals that the threat of international abductions continues to grow, particularly the risk of wrongful detention.
Partners
Jim’s vision is possible through the power of partnerships. The Foley Foundation partners with the following organizations to conduct hostage advocacy.
Resources
Downloads
Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Flag
This flag – similar to the POW/MIA flag – was codified into law by Congress, to recognize the plight of Americans held captive abroad and their families.
Bring Our Families Home
Family members of American hostages and wrongful detainee advocating for their loved ones’ immediate release.
Free Paul Whelan
The family of Paul Whelan, based on their experience advocating for Paul, has put together practical guides to help families whose loved ones are taken hostage.
POD Hostage Diplomacy
Works to free hostages and the unjustly detained worldwide. Host Daren Nair has been campaigning with many of these families for years and will introduce some of the most courageous and resilient people among us, people who have never given up hope, people who will never stop working to reunite their families.
