Statement from Rep. Levin After Visit with Lt. Ridge Alkonis
Los Angeles, CA- Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) released the following statement after visiting Lt. Ridge Alkonis at a federal detention center in Los Angeles:
“I just finished visiting Lt. Ridge Alkonis at a federal detention center in Los Angeles, along with my colleague, Rep. Nick LaLota.
“Ridge is in good spirits and is glad to be back in the United States. The journey to get him here from Japan has been a long one and I’m glad that he is back on U.S. soil. However, our work will not be finished until Ridge is home with his family.
“We are grateful for his extraordinary wife Brittany, their kids, his parents, and an incredible support network for fighting hard for his return.
“My office will continue to work in a bipartisan manner with other Members of Congress, the White House, and the State Department.
“I will continue to do everything I can to ensure that Ridge gets home as quickly as possible. In order for that to happen, the Department of Justice must consider Ridge for parole. There is no reason to wait to make that decision, so I am urging the Department to expedite consideration immediately.
“Welcome back to the U.S., Ridge. We will keep up the fight on your behalf.”
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