(NewsNation) — Rep. Josh Brecheen, R-Okla., is among a group of U.S. lawmakers who traveled to Turks & Caicos to push for the release of five Americans who were charged with carrying ammunition into the Caribbean islands.
“Justice should prevail,” Brecheen told “The Hill” host Blake Burman.
He added that he’d be “one of the loudest voices” urging the use of “every economic tool” if the Americans aren’t released.
Among the five Americans detained is Tyler Wenrich, 31, who pled guilty in court Tuesday. He could face a minimum 12-year prison sentence. Wenrich has been in Turks and Caicos since April 20. His father, Michael, said his son spent three days in jail and was moved to a prison, spending a total of 14 days behind bars.
Wenrich was released on bond and has been with his father since awaiting sentencing. He has said the bullets were “unknowingly left in a duffel bag from a deer hunting trip” that went unnoticed by airport authorities when they left the United States.
In Turks and Caicos, a British territory, firearms, weapons and stray bullets are not allowed. Local authorities strictly enforce firearms and ammunition-related laws.
Turks and Caicos said in a statement that it is “the travelers’ responsibility to ensure their baggage is free of” weapons and ammunition, which is “strictly forbidden” without prior permission.
