Three American citizens have spent years behind bars in China after their supporters say they were arrested on trumped up charges.

However, the White House confirmed on Wednesday that all three individuals have now been set free. 

Americans "will return and be reunited with their families"

According to Fox News, a National Security Council spokesperson put out a statement which read, "We are pleased to announce the release of Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung from detention in the People’s Republic of China."

China agrees to release 3 'wrongfully detained' Americans https://t.co/tIlMccB3Xw

— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 27, 2024

"Soon they will return and be reunited with their families for the first time in many years," the statement went on to explain.

It concluded by saying, "Thanks to this Administration’s efforts and diplomacy with the PRC, all of the wrongfully detained Americans in the PRC are home."

Ted Cruz credits Biden administration for having "worked tirelessly"

Fox News noted that Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz issued a statement of his own, saying, "I am overjoyed that Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung have been released and are returning to their families.

"I could not be happier for Mark’s mother Katherine Swidan, who from her home in Luling, Texas, has spent 12 years waging an unremitting battle to ensure Mark’s release and make today a reality," Cruz continued.

The Republican lawmaker praised members of the Biden administration for having "worked tirelessly to secure this achievement" and added that he is "deeply grateful for all their efforts."

"Negotiations aimed at securing the release of unjustly held Americans are among the most difficult and wrenching tasks that our diplomats face, and they have shown unceasing dedication culminating in today’s release," Cruz added.

"This joyous news would not have occurred, and these families would not have been reunited, without their work and commitment," the senator remarked as he drew to a close.

U.N. report cleared American who was brought up on drug charges

Fox News explained that Swidan was arrested on a business trip to China after his driver and translator were accused of drug possession

However, a United Nations report later concluded that Swidan did not have drugs and was not in the country when the offense was said to have occurred.

Meanwhile, the son of Kai Li told Fox News that his father was taken into custody when he traveled to China for his mother's memorial service.