OKC Standard

On Monday evening, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) returned from leading a bipartisan, bicameral congressional delegation (CODEL) to Turks and Caicos (TCI). The delegation met with TCI government officials to discuss the five Americans detained on the islands for inadvertently having ammunition in their luggage. If convicted, the Americans could each face a twelve-year minimum prison sentence.

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) and Reps. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Josh Brecheen (R-OK), Michael Cloud (R-TX), and Bob Good (R-VA) joined Sen. Mullin on the CODEL. During the trip, the delegation met with TCI’s Governor, Deputy Governor, Attorney General, Premier, Minister of Tourism, Police Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, as well as a representative from the foreign ministry.

“We went in respectful of their sovereignty, and with an open mind looking to find common ground,” said Senator Mullin. “Unfortunately, despite our willingness to work with Turks and Caicos officials to get our constituents home, we were not able to find a path forward today. At this point, well-intentioned American citizens are facing a dozen years in prison all for unknowingly having one or two bullets in their luggage. The unintended consequences of TCI’s law have been at the expense of well-intentioned American tourists, including a grandmother who had no intention of breaking the law. We will stay at the table through this process until the issue is resolved. With two hearings on the docket this week, I remain hopeful. Should they receive a prison sentence, we will need to consider additional actions to safeguard American citizens.”

“After working tirelessly for Bryan Hagerich’s release with Turks and Caicos officials," said Rep. Reschenthaler "it is resoundingly clear that the nation — which relies heavily on the support of U.S. tourists — lacks the willingness to work in good faith to ensure his safe return home." He added: "This is a recurring theme for our nation under President Biden where tourists become captives and foreign nations no longer respect us. No American should travel to Turks and Caicos until Bryan is released and the islands can ensure that any future U.S. tourists will not have to experience this ridiculous ordeal during their innocent vacations.”

“Our comments to Turks and Caicos officials were diplomatic but also to the point,” said Rep. Brecheen.“I reiterated that with Turks and Caicos’ economy being 65 percent based on tourism and with 80 percent of that coming from the United States it is in their interest to ensure justice prevails." He emphasized: "We were emphatic that it would be unfathomable for five Americans including Oklahoma’s own Ryan Watson to face 12 years in prison for accidentally leaving a handful of shells in their luggage." Brecheen shared his position with TCI's Attorney General and Premier stating: "A modification of their law seems to be the only way to reverse the message of fear their actions have instilled in U.S. tourists" adding there must be just outcomes with pending cases.

“This past weekend I met with my constituent Tyler Wenrich," said Rep Good "and other Americans who are currently being detained in Turks and Caicos after ammunition was allegedly found in their luggage.” He expressed concern about recent legal changes resulting in multiple American tourists being arrested charged threatened lengthy prison sentences accidental non-threatening offenses.”Good described his visit as productive noting discussions held with TCI government officials business leaders about economic impact US visitors hoping positive outcomes Tyler next hearing tomorrow.”He pledged continued efforts reunite Wenrich family Virginia.”

Background: One of those detained Ryan Tyler Watson Oklahoma traveled TCI wife couples 40th birthday trip.As Watson wife left island April airport security reportedly found four rounds ammunition unknowingly left duffel bag previous deer hunting expedition.Watson wife released allowed return Oklahoma.Ryan awaiting hearing June.Turks Caicos identified four other detained Americans Michael Lee Evans Texas Bryan Hagerich Pennsylvania Tyler Scott Wenrich Virginia Sharitta Shanise Grier Orlando Florida.