China has announced the release of three Americans, who the White House confirmed were “wrongfully detained,” Fox News reports.

A National Security Council spokesperson expressed, “We are pleased to announce the release of Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung from detention in the People’s Republic of China. Soon they will return and be reunited with their families for the first time in many years. Thanks to this Administration’s efforts and diplomacy with the PRC, all of the wrongfully detained Americans in the PRC are home.”

Mark Swidan, from Texas, was arrested in China in November 2012 while seeking business opportunities. He was detained after his driver and translator were found with drugs, but a U.N. report later cleared him, stating he wasn’t in possession of any drugs nor present during the alleged crime. Swidan’s mother, Katherine Swidan, previously urged President Biden to demand her son’s release.

Kai Li, detained in September 2016 on charges of espionage, had been traveling to China for a memorial service when he was taken into custody by Chinese authorities. Li’s family created a website to raise awareness about his situation, highlighting the politically motivated nature of his charges. John Leung, a Hong Kong permanent resident, was sentenced on espionage charges in 2023 after being detained in 2021. He had been involved in charitable work before his arrest.

Senator Ted Cruz praised the release, stating, “I am overjoyed that Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung have been released and are returning to their families.” He also acknowledged the efforts of the Biden administration and various officials in securing their release.