WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) -- Members of Congress are stepping into the effort to free five Americans who are facing prison time in Turks and Caicos. They were arrested on charges related to illegally carrying ammunition during recent trips there, an offense that could mean 12 years in prison.
"This whole experience has been such a rollercoaster of a ride," said Michael Wenrich, who is in Turks and Caicos trying to bring home his son, Tyler. "Hope is something we're holding on to, but it's up and down every single day."
A congressional delegation and a U.S. State Department representative traveled to Turks and Caicos to meet with the Wenrichs and other Americans, along with a group of island government officials.
"These are not criminals," said U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud, (R-Texas.).
"They weren't coming with a bunch of machine guns and loaded magazines," said U.S. Rep. Bob Good, (R-Va.).
Good and Cloud said the tourists accidentally carried the ammunition in their luggage and were arrested while leaving the island.
"And have had to spend tens of thousands of dollars to try to defend themselves, to pay bail, to pay for the cost of staying on the island," Good said.
Turks and Caicos recently passed tighter gun laws that now carry a 12-year prison sentence for illegally carrying ammunition.
"They were trying to crack down on an issue they had with crime, but this is absolutely not that at all," Cloud said. "It's absurd."
The congressmen are urging the Turks and Caicos government to instead charge the vacationers under the Customs Act.
"Which would be fine and deportation," Cloud said. "Send them home."
Good said they also reminded island officials the U.S. tourism industry makes up half of their economy.
"We don't want to have to issue a travel advisory warning folks not to travel to Turks and Caicos," Good said.
The State Department first alerted travelers last year of the potential 12-year sentence, warning if they bring a gun or ammunition, the department would not be able to secure their release.
