Wrongfully Detained U.S. Surfer Lucas Hunter Freed After 192 Days in Venezuela
Lucas Hunter, a 37-year-old American surfer and international finance professional, has finally been released after spending 192 days in detention in Venezuela. His detainment, described by family as “wrongful,” occurred during a January kitesurfing and sightseeing trip through Colombia.
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According to his family and supporters, Hunter was riding his motorcycle near the Venezuelan border at Paraguachón when Venezuelan border agents allegedly crossed into Colombian territory and coerced him into custody. After sending a few voice notes and texts to his sister—who was also on the trip but skipped the ride due to illness—communication with him went completely silent. That January 8th message would be the last heard until news of his release broke.
Hunter’s family launched a public campaign for his freedom, creating a website and social media account under the handle @free_lucas_hunter. Lucas, a dual U.S.–French citizen, was known for his love of water sports, having once worked as an instructor in Hawaii. A fan of Point Break and kitesurfing icon Robbie Naish, he often traveled for adventure.
His release came on July 18th as part of a high-stakes prisoner swap deal between former President Donald Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The agreement saw the release of 10 detained Americans in exchange for the deportation of over 250 Venezuelans from the U.S., who were then flown to a high-security facility in El Salvador.
Hunter’s family expressed overwhelming relief and gratitude:
> “After 192 days in Venezuelan detention, Lucas has been freed. We cannot wait to see him in person and help him recover from this ordeal. And it’s not just Lucas—numerous other innocent Americans were released as well.”
Now safely on his way home, Hunter’s harrowing story ends with hope and reunion—marking the close of a terrifying chapter in what was meant to be a dream adventure in South America.