U.S. Senator John Cornyn called for renewed attention to the cases of two Texans, David Barnes and Austin Tice, who remain detained overseas, according to a March 9 statement marking U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day.
The issue highlights ongoing concerns about Americans held in foreign countries under disputed circumstances. Barnes has been imprisoned in Russia for more than four years, while Tice, a Marine veteran and journalist, has been held captive in Syria for over thirteen years.
“For too long, innocent Texans like David Barnes and Austin Tice have been held in foreign countries under horrific conditions,” said Senator Cornyn. “As we recognize U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, I urge President Trump and Secretary Rubio to continue their efforts to bring all hostages and wrongfully detained Americans home.”
Barnes was accused by his ex-wife of child sexual abuse in Texas in 2015; however, an investigation found the accusation not credible and no charges were filed against him in the United States. In 2022, after traveling to Russia to reconnect with his sons—one of whom holds Russian nationality—Barnes was arrested by Russian authorities based on information from his ex-wife regarding the previous accusations. In 2024, he was sentenced by a Russian judge to 21 years in prison. Cornyn has communicated with both the State Department and Global Reach, an advocacy group supporting Barnes’ case.
Tice was abducted while reporting on the Syrian Civil War in 2012 by forces associated with the Assad regime. Cornyn has continued to highlight Tice’s situation for more than a decade.
Cornyn’s political career includes several successful Senate campaigns: he defeated MJ Hegar in the 2020 general election with 53.5% of the vote according to Ballotpedia. He also won elections against David Alameel in 2014 (61.6%), Rick Noriega in 2008 (54.8%), and Ron Kirk in 2002 (55%).
The senator’s ongoing advocacy reflects broader efforts among lawmakers to secure the release of Americans detained abroad.
