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March 6 – March 12
We have assisted over 30,000 Americans seeking to return from the Middle East through our 24/7 task force.
Here’s what happened at State this week. ⤵️
- The Department of State continued to support Americans in the Middle East.
- Secretary Rubio joined President Trump for the first ever Shield of the Americas summit, welcoming leaders from 13 countries.
- On U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, we honored those still waiting, those who have returned, and remembered those whose homecoming came in a tragic way.
 Under Secretary for Management Jason Evans welcomes U.S. diplomats and their family members home after their return from posts in the Middle East at Dulles International Airport. (Official State Department photo by Issac D. Pacheco)
As of March 11, more than 43,000 Americans have safely returned from the Middle East. Through the State Department’s 24/7 Task Force, we have directly assisted over 30,000 Americans. We have chartered more than two dozen flights to bring home Americans, including diplomats and their families who have been ordered to depart from the region.
Reflecting on the Department’s efforts, Secretary Rubio said, “Our number one priority is the safety and the security of American citizens everywhere in the world.”
Americans in the Middle East who need assistance can call the U.S. Department of State, 24/7, at +1-202-501-4444.
 Secretary Rubio and Special Envoy Kristi Noem deliver remarks at a working lunch at the Shield of the Americas Summit at Trump National Doral in Miami, Florida, March 7, 2026. (Official State Department photo by Freddie Everett)
On March 7, Secretary Rubio joined President Trump to welcome the leaders of 13 countries committed to freedom, security, and prosperity for our hemisphere.
President Trump addressed the assembled leaders, stating that their cooperation would make the countries represented at the meeting “safer, stronger, richer, and more successful than ever before.”
The Secretary commended counterparts from across the hemisphere for their shared commitment to disrupting destabilizing crossborder cartel networks. “Together with our partners, the U.S. will transform the Western Hemisphere,” he said on X.
This historic coalition of nations will work together to advance strategies that stop foreign interference in our hemisphere, criminal and narco-terrorist gangs and cartels, and illegal and mass immigration.
 Secretary Rubio delivers remarks at the U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Flag Raising Ceremony at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., March 9, 2026. (Official State Department photo by Freddie Everett)
Secretary Rubio hosted visitors from across the U.S. government, former detainees, and families of wrongfully detained Americans at the third U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day.
In his remarks, the Secretary thanked returned detainees and their families for their resolve.
“It’s a day that exists because families and loved ones refuse to let their loved ones be forgotten. We have this day to celebrate those who return, to honor those who perished in captivity, and commit to returning those who are still in detention – and holding also the perpetrators of this accountable,” he said.
Secretary Rubio noted that since President Trump’s inauguration, over 100 Americans have been brought home.
“I think it’s also important to give President Donald Trump a tremendous amount of credit. He has made, from the very first day in office, the return of Americans held abroad unjustly a priority of his administration,” he said.
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