The Biden administration executed a high-profile prisoner exchange this week with Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro’s regime. The deal saw the release of 10 Americans and 20 Venezuelan opposition members. The U.S. freed Alex Saab, a notorious figure linked with the deadly Middle East terrorist organization Hezbollah, in return.

While the exchange rate of 30 prisoners for one is advantageous on its face, the deal requires a careful examination of the implications of releasing Saab back into the hands of a deadly terror group. Saab was serving time in prison after being convicted of charges alleging he was instrumental in the planning of attempted terrorist attacks in New York City.

Q: "Can you address the prisoner exchange with Venezuela, sir?"

BIDEN: "Can I do that after this event?" pic.twitter.com/8rNrqBc5w8

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) December 20, 2023

In addition to his direct involvement in terrorism, Saab’s criminal activities extended to his deep involvement in corrupt dealings with the communist Venezuelan regime. He was a key figure in extensive money laundering and subterfuge operations that have helped Nicolás Maduro’s government evade international sanctions imposed by the U.S. and other democratic nations.

Biden’s agreement sends an international message that the U.S. government is willing to negotiate with dictators and terrorists and further to agree to release individuals with dangerous connections and proven criminal intentions. The deal has been hammered for allegedly betraying America’s commitment to human rights and democratic values. The message being sent is especially poignant given the influence Venezuela holds over other South and Central American countries. 

The Biden Administration’s Sinister Deal With Venezuela https://t.co/6GwYHWry0D

— Washington Free Beacon (@FreeBeacon) December 22, 2023

The Biden White House timed this week’s exchange to coincide with the administration’s efforts to negotiate fair and democratic elections in Venezuela by next year. Notwithstanding the best efforts of the State Department, Maduro has continued to invalidate opposition elections and suppress democratic leaders, often violently.

Meanwhile, the Maduro regime is celebrating the return of Saab as a major victory over the U.S. and a strike against international sanctions. The people fighting for freedom and democracy in Venezuela likely see Saab’s release as a discouraging setback in their ongoing fight to institute a representative democracy in the resource-rich nation.