The White House addressed New Jersey’s new Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, which was established to bring attention to Americans held abroad, including the case of missing FBI agent Robert Levinson. The observance is the first of its kind in the United States.
White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly stated Thursday, “President Trump has been clear that he wants every American wrongfully detained to be returned home safe and sound, and that there will be dire consequences for regimes who treat Americans as political pawns.”
Assemblyman Michael Inganamort, who sponsored the legislation along with Senator Parker Space, commented on the national attention: “When the White House joins this conversation, it sends a powerful message that these families are not forgotten,” Inganamort said (R-Morris). “New Jersey is proud to lead the nation in recognizing Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, and we will keep pushing until every American held abroad is brought home.”
Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day was created earlier this year through resolutions introduced by Inganamort and Space. The day aims to honor both Americans held overseas and their families. March 9 was chosen as the date for this observance in recognition of Robert Levinson’s disappearance in Iran in 2007 while working on a CIA mission. Levinson is considered to be America’s longest-held hostage.
Sarah Levinson, one of Robert Levinson’s daughters who lives in Inganamort’s legislative district, advocated for state recognition of the day. This makes New Jersey the first state to officially observe Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day and fly its corresponding flag.
As of late 2025, nearly 50 Americans are believed by U.S. authorities to be held hostage or wrongfully detained across at least 13 countries.
On Monday, New Jersey plans to raise the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag over the Statehouse as part of its observance.
John DiMaio represents District 23—which includes Hackettstown—and has served as Minority Leader since 2022. He previously worked as mayor of Hackettstown from 1991 to 1999 before joining the General Assembly in 2009. DiMaio has also held roles such as Appropriations Officer from 2012 to 2017 and Budget Officer from 2018 to 2019 in addition to his work with the Warren County Board of Freeholders between 2000 and 2009. More information about his career can be found on his official legislative roster.
