House Republicans call for release of five Americans detained in Turks and Caicos

A coalition of House Republicans traveled to Turks and Caicos this week to plead for the release of five Americans detained there for illegally bringing ammunition into the country.

The Americans could face a mandatory sentence of 12 years in prison if convicted, which is an increase from the country's former laws which just required tourists that were caught with ammunition to pay a fine. Now tourists will still pay the fine, but also face time in prison. All five Americans claim they were unaware of the ammunition at the time of their arrests, according to CBS News.

Virginia Republican Congressman Bob Good said he hopes the territory will consider the long-term impacts of the arrests and impose lesser sentences. 

“We’re hopeful that they’re aware of the unintended consequences, that they don’t want these unintended consequences. And they’ll revisit how they’re treating tourists who make a mistake with no obvious criminal attempt,” Good told NewsNation, per The Hill. “Obviously, they weren’t trying to harm or threaten anyone when you’re carrying one or two stray bullets and you’re trying to leave the island, not even known as in your bag. Obviously, there’s no reason for you to be treated like a criminal who is coming with nefarious intent.”

The Americans have been identified as Ryan Watson, Bryan Hagerich, Sharitta Shinise Grier, Tyler Wenrich, and Michael Lee Evans. Evans was released however, for medical reasons because he has terminal cancer.

Wenrich, who has been in Turks and Caicos since April 20, pleaded guilty to his ammunition charge on Tuesday. Hagerich is expected to be sentenced on Friday, which could set the precedent for the fate of the other Americans. 

United States governors are calling for the Turks and Caicos government to be lenient on the Americans, who they claim clearly did not intend to cause problems in the island nation. But the territory's government said they cannot intervene with the nation's judicial branch.

"Like thousands of Americans each year, these individuals traveled to your beautiful territory for leisure," the governors wrote, per CBS News. "We humbly ask that your government—in its wisdom—temper justice with mercy and recognize that these men made mistakes but had no apparent malicious intents."

The islands are considered a vacation hotspot for tourists worldwide, and are located southeast of the Bahamas. 

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.