in effect
This is a presidential proclamation issued by President Trump on March 9, 2026, formally observing U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, a date established by Congress in 2023 (Public Law 118-31). It directs the American public to mark the occasion with programs, ceremonies, and activities, and calls for the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag to be flown at the White House.
The proclamation itself creates no new law or binding obligation, but it references two concrete policy actions taken separately. First, the administration states it secured the release of 101 detained Americans abroad within one year. Second, the President signed an Executive Order creating a “State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention” designation, which authorizes the Secretary of State to impose sanctions, travel restrictions, and entry bans on foreign nationals from designated countries; Iran was the first country designated under this authority.
Americans currently held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad are the named focus, along with their families. Foreign governments and their nationals may be directly affected by the new State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention designation, which can result in sanctions and travel or entry restrictions imposed by the U.S. government.