A former president of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernández, was released from prison after receiving a presidential pardon from Donald Trump. His wife, Ana García, confirmed his release on social media, stating that Hernández is “once again a free man” following nearly four years of incarceration related to drug trafficking charges.
Hernández, who was convicted of conspiring to smuggle over 400 tons of cocaine into the United States, left a West Virginia prison on March 25, 2024. The official release was recorded on the U.S. Bureau of Prisons website, matching Hernández’s name and age. García publicly thanked Trump for the pardon, which she described as a relief for their family after enduring significant challenges during his imprisonment.
Hernández’s release comes at a time when Trump has been actively involved in U.S. drug policy, including recent military actions against vessels in the Caribbean suspected of trafficking drugs. The former president defended his decision to pardon Hernández by suggesting that the former Honduran leader had been treated unfairly. He stated on social media that “according to many people that I greatly respect,” the conviction was a result of political motivations.
In March 2022, Hernández was extradited to the United States from Honduras, where he served two terms as president. He faced a U.S. court that ultimately found him guilty of drug trafficking. The evidence presented included statements that purportedly indicated his involvement in extensive drug operations.
The pardon has drawn significant backlash from lawmakers across the political spectrum. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana criticized the decision, questioning why Hernández would be pardoned while the U.S. government pursues other drug traffickers. He stated on social media, “Lock up every drug runner! Don’t understand why he is being pardoned.”
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine expressed his shock during an interview, emphasizing the severity of Hernández’s crimes. Kaine, who is the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, noted that Hernández had led one of the largest criminal enterprises ever convicted in U.S. courts. He argued that the pardon undermines the seriousness of drug trafficking issues.
During a flight aboard Air Force One, Trump reiterated his belief that Hernández was a victim of a political setup orchestrated by the Biden administration. He claimed that many in Honduras viewed the conviction as politically motivated and that it was unfair to imprison a former president for actions carried out while in office.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt supported Trump’s stance, characterizing the prosecution of Hernández as a “clear Biden overprosecution.” She raised questions about the fairness of the judicial process that led to Hernández’s conviction.
Hernández’s release marks a significant chapter in U.S.-Honduran relations, particularly as the country navigates its own political landscape. The ongoing presidential election in Honduras has been fraught with tension, and Trump’s involvement in backing a candidate from Hernández’s party adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
As Hernández reunites with his family in Tegucigalpa, the implications of his pardon and the circumstances surrounding his conviction continue to resonate, raising questions about justice and accountability in the realm of international drug trafficking.
