Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove discusses 'Christmas Miracle' of freeing Eyvin Hernandez from Venezuelan custody

Loading Video…

This browser does not support the Video element.

Eyvin Hernandez released from Venezuela

Los Angeles-based public defender Eyvin Hernandez was released from Venezuelan custody a little more than 1 2/3 years after he was detained at the Colombia-Venezuelan border.

Loved ones of Eyvin Hernandez can breathe a sigh of relief as the Los Angeles-based public defender returned to United States after 21 months of Venezuelan custody.

A Congresswoman representing Los Angeles, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, called Hernandez's homecoming a "Christmas miracle." Rep. Kamlager-Dove told FOX 11 she spent her first year in office working to free Hernandez.

Hernandez was detained at the Colombia-Venezuelan border during his South American vacation. His capture and arrest drew year-long calls for justice and the release of the public defender. This week, Hernandez and nine other American prisoners were released in exchange for a a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Alex Saab.

In his first TV interview since returning home to the U.S. he pleaded for peace with Venezuela.

Loading Video…

This browser does not support the Video element.

What's happening in Congress: Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove explains

Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove joined FOX 11 to discuss the release of Eyvin Hernandez, the Israel–Hamas war and what is currently happening in Congress.

RELATED: US, Venezuela swap prisoners: Maduro ally for 10 Americans, plus fugitive contractor ‘Fat Leonard’

"I don't want anything to be done against them in my name. I don't. I want peace for economic relations," Hernandez said.

Rep. Kamlager-Dove agreed with Hernandez's plea.

"Military operations never succeed without diplomacy. Being able to bring Americans home does not happen without diplomacy," Rep. Kamlager-Dove said.