Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025

This bill creates a new way for the U.S. to call out countries that hold Americans unfairly to gain political leverage. The Secretary of State could label a country a “State Sponsor of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention” if an American is wrongly held there, if the government or groups in that country don’t free the person within 30 days after the U.S. asks, or if their actions show they’re involved or create serious risk to Americans abroad. A listing would end after 6 months unless Congress approves it, and the Secretary could also remove a country if detainees are released, policies change, or the country gives firm assurances it will stop these practices.

After a country is labeled, the State Department must review and decide which tools to use, such as visa bans, economic measures, limits on aid and exports, and even whether to consider a terrorism-related label under other laws. The Department must also look at whether the law should change to allow seizing assets of these countries; this is a study, not an immediate change. The government must report to Congress within 7 days of any label, publish a public list of labeled countries, and give regular briefings, including an early briefing on whether certain countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, China, and others should be considered for this label . Importantly, the bill says not every American detained in a labeled country is automatically considered “wrongfully detained” under existing law.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Americans traveling or working abroad and their families; foreign governments that detain Americans; U.S. agencies; and travel-related companies the State Department may engage to improve travel warnings and outreach.
• What changes: A new country label for wrongful detentions; fast reports to Congress; a public list; and possible use of visa bans, sanctions, aid and export limits after review .
• When: Reports due within 7 days of any label; an initial briefing within 60 days on countries to consider; annual briefings for 5 years; any label ends after 6 months unless Congress approves it .