It is the first day of 2023, and Eyvin is still in captivity in Caracas. His family and many friends had all hope that he would be home by now; but he is still not home, and so, with our sadness and heavy hearts, we continue to push because we cannot afford to give up. Eyvin very much still needs us. In this trying situation, we continue to find strength in one another and the many ways that people stand up for Eyvin and the legacy he has imprinted on us through his work as a public defender and his everyday acts of kindness and grace.

The week before Christmas, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA) visited Eyvin in Caracas since Roger Carstens last saw him the first time in June. That visit lasted for one hour and SPEHA was able to bring a package from Eyvin's friends and family to him to let him know that he is in our minds and hearts. SPEHA also brought him a Christmas stocking and chocolate candies. And on Christmas Day, for the first time since his captivity, Eyvin was able to make a video call to his family who were able to see his face via the phone live. It was wonderful to see Eyvin and it left us teary.

We still do not know what the plan is for getting Eyvin home. It is now 9 months since he has been captured. We pray and continue to push for his release. In mid-November, a group of 8 of us including Eyvin's father, Pedro, and Eyvin's brother, Henry, visited congressional members and staff, including the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and human rights organization to educate them about Eyvin's plight and to seek their help. On December 21, 2022, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Congresswoman Nanette Barragan co-lead a letter signed by 21 other members of Congress asking the President to urgently resolved Eyvin's situation.

On January 18, 2023, our Coalition and UCLA School of Law are hosting a candlelight vigil to honor Eyvin and to continue to bring attention to his plight. More pressure is needed. If you are in the Southern California region, please attend; otherwise please share the evite to the candlelight vigil so that we can get a turnout.

We continue to need help, so please do not hesitate to reach out to us at bringeyvinhome@gmaill.com.

Thank you all and best wishes for a healthy and safe new year. Hold on tight to your loved ones.

Luan Huynh

(on behalf of the Bring Eyvin Home Coalition)