Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025

The Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025 would create a formal U.S. government framework to deter and deter-respond to the wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by foreign governments or nonstate actors. The core tool is a new designation: a foreign country can be designated as a State Sponsor of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention if it has, among other triggers, detained a U.S. national, failed to release a detainee within 30 days after notice, or otherwise acted in a way that endangers U.S. nationals abroad. Once designated, the country can face a range of responses, including sanctions, visa and travel restrictions, export controls, and other measures, with the goal of pressuring for the detainee’s release and deterring future detentions. The bill also requires enhanced transparency (public listing of designated countries) and regular reporting to Congress on designations and policy responses. In addition, it adds two new enforcement and oversight provisions: (1) a mandatory certification for air travelers to risky destinations (D or K travel advisories) and (2) the creation of an Advisory Council on Hostage Taking and Unlawful or Wrongful Detention to advise officials on policy and response options, with a sunset after 10 years for the council. The bill includes a rule ensuring it does not imply U.S. recognition of any foreign government’s legitimacy. In short, the bill would empower the executive branch to designate bad-actor countries, broaden the toolkit for responses to wrongful detentions, increase Congressional oversight, require traveler awareness of travel advisories, and strengthen hostage/detention policy with an advisory council and related reporting.