The U.S. State Department has declared that WNBA superstar Brittney Griner is being “wrongfully detained” in Russia, in a sign the Biden administration may begin to press harder for her release. She was jailed in February after cannabis oil was found in her luggage when she flew into Russia to play during the WNBA’s offseason. Brittney Griner is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and seven-time WNBA all-star. She is also a Black lesbian who has been outspoken for LGBTQ+ rights. The State Department has now transferred her case to the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. The office played a key role in securing the recent prisoner swap with Russia that led to the release of former marine Trevor Reed.