The mother of one of three American students arrested in Cairo says news of their pending release is the best Thanksgiving gift.

Joy Sweeney told The Associated Press that the consul general confirmed around 6 a.m. Thursday that the young men, including her 19-year-old son Derrik Sweeney, will be released.

Derrik Sweeney, a Georgetown University student, was arrested during protests Sunday near Cairo's Tahrir Square. Also arrested was Luke Gates, a 21-year-old Indiana University student from Bloomington, Ind., and Gregory Porter, a 19-year-old Drexel University student from Glenside, Pa.

Joy Sweeney says she is elated and that she hopes her son will head home to Jefferson City, Mo., on Friday.