In Mexico City, the families of four Americans charged in Turks and Caicos for carrying ammunition are insisting that their loved ones were unjustly detained on the island awaiting legal proceedings. Last week, the government of Turks and Caicos confirmed that Michael Lee Evans, Bryan Hagerich, Tyler Scott Wenrich, and Ryan Tyler Watson were charged for collectively carrying 33 rounds of ammunition. Hagerich and Evans had both pled guilty to the charges as of last week. It is illegal to transport firearms or ammunition to or from any Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, including Turks and Caicos, without a license.
In 2022, Turks and Caicos tightened their gun laws due to a surge in gun violence and weapons trafficking. Violating the law could result in a minimum of a 12-year prison sentence, though the government stated that this could be lowered in exceptional circumstances. The families of the detained men have called for help in paying for mounting legal fees and living expenses, raising over $220,000 through a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe. The men have been released on bail, but the families claim that Hagerich has been unjustly detained in Turks for 81 days, while others have spent weeks on the island awaiting legal proceedings, separated from their children and families.
The families of the detained Americans claim that the men were on vacation in Turks and Caicos celebrating a friend’s birthday when security found ammunition unknowingly left in a duffel bag from a deer hunting trip. This went unnoticed by authorities when the men left the United States. Turks and Caicos stated that it is the travelers’ responsibility to ensure their baggage is free of weapons and ammunition, which are strictly forbidden without prior permission. The families allege that the men are facing a legal system in Turks and Caicos that is unfamiliar, daunting, and expensive, operating differently than the American justice system.
The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives warns travelers on its site about transporting firearms or ammunition to or from Caribbean countries without a license. The families are calling for assistance in navigating the legal system in Turks and Caicos and ensuring that the men receive fair treatment in their legal proceedings. Jessica Byrd, organizer of the funding campaign and Watson’s older sister, mentioned that Hagerich, who pled guilty to possession of twenty rounds of rifle ammunition, was set to go on trial and likely to be sentenced that same day or the following week.
The families of the detained Americans are continuing to advocate for their loved ones, seeking support in covering legal expenses and living costs. They have raised a significant amount of money through their fundraising efforts, demonstrating widespread support for the men in their legal battle. The situation highlights the importance of understanding and complying with local laws when traveling to foreign countries, as well as the challenges that individuals may face when dealing with unfamiliar legal systems. By raising awareness and seeking assistance from the public, the families are working to ensure that the Americans receive fair treatment and support throughout the legal process in Turks and Caicos.
