Just months after his release from a Russian prison, American teacher Marc Fogel stood beneath a towering mural in Georgetown on Wednesday, joining families of U.S. citizens still detained overseas to urge the U.S. government to bring their loved ones home.
Fogel, who was held for more than three years in Russia, became one of the first Americans released under President Donald Trump’s second term. At the event organized by the Bring Our Families Home Campaign, he recounted the psychological toll of his detention.
“One of the most challenging things was feeling like I might be forgotten,” Fogel said. “I am one of the lucky ones, and I want you to know that I and my family will work relentlessly for you all, because we want all of your loved ones here soon.”
The mural, created by artist Isaac Campbell, features 10-foot-tall images of Americans wrongfully detained across the globe. Located in an alley in the heart of Georgetown, it’s the third installation of the project, aimed at keeping public attention on the plight of detainees.
“It gives them a name,” said Scott St. Clair, whose son Joseph is imprisoned in Venezuela. “Their faces are larger than life so they can no longer be ignored.”
The artwork includes portraits of detainees held in countries such as Venezuela, Iran, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates. Among them are Ksenia Karelina and Youras Ziankovich, both of whom were recently freed—Ziankovich’s release coinciding with the mural’s unveiling.
Family members shared harrowing stories of life without their loved ones, describing the emotional toll and pleading for action from U.S. leaders.
“I want you to imagine someone you love confined in a box, with no lights, no windows, feeling isolated and in immense pain,” said the granddaughter of Jorge Marcelo Vargas, who remains imprisoned in Venezuela. “That nightmare is our everyday reality.”
Patti St. Clair, mother of Joseph, made a direct appeal to policymakers: “Please, Mr. President, members of Congress, use your authority, use your voices, use your resolve. Let the world know that America does not abandon its people.”
The campaign continues to press for diplomacy and intervention, aiming to ensure no American held abroad is forgotten.
