US Lawmakers Struggle to Free Americans Detained in Turks and Caicos

Five US tourists face severe prison sentences for possessing ammunition, despite diplomatic efforts for their release.

A bipartisan delegation met with Turks and Caicos officials but failed to secure the release of five detained Americans.
The Americans, arrested for having small amounts of ammunition, face mandatory 12-year prison sentences under local laws.
Lawmakers emphasized the unintentional nature of the offenses and called for leniency from the Turks and Caicos judicial system.
The US Embassy had previously warned travelers about the strict enforcement of firearm-related laws in the territory.
Officials from Turks and Caicos maintain that their laws are clear and that judicial discretion can be applied in exceptional cases.