So, did the TSA in the US fail to find these ammunition?

Who packs ammo for a vacation and "forgets"? Lame excuse.

The same people that yelled Britney Grinner should have followed the law of Russia are the same people defending these law beakers.😒

Question…. can a Turks citizen go to America with these same demands? 🤔

Over 20 rounds n not know its in your bag really?

You don’t hunt there- you scuba dive!😂

Simple solution. Americans keep your ammo and firearms in America. And no they should not get a pass on obeying the laws of another country. Who is America to talk about the conditions of prisons in another country, when US jails aren’t exactly a suite at the Ritz. Bully boy tactics don’t work with everyone America.

If our Homeland Security / TSA was doing their jobs? None of these people would be in the predicament they are in 🤷🏽‍♂️. 😂😂😂

They weren’t wrongfully convicted. Remember how MAGA treated WNBA star GRiner. Yeah. I don’t wanna hear nothing 🤬🤬 let them deal w a fine and jail time like her.

Why the F are you taking ammunition on vacation?

They broke their law. When you travel, it is incumbent on you to know the laws of where you are visitng as a tourist and ensure you are complient. No pity for those who obviously broke the law.

Wrongfully convicted? Ignorance of the law is not a defense.

Traveling with ammunition to another country??? WTF??

I would bet the American delegation thoroughly checked their baggage, carry ons, and pockets.

lol lol well if Americans own 75% of all real estate in Turks. Where the hell do the locals live??? Under rocks?? This man sounds like a complete fool. That wasn’t even what the woman asked. Nobody is targeting Americans. There are locals that face the exact same laws. There’s a simple sense of entitlement when it comes to how they believe they should be handled and that doesn’t work everywhere you decide to place your entitled feet. Why haven’t they brought up or reported the bomb threats and fires that have been set at the airports and at government places because they can’t have their way when it comes to the releases. These same Americans and their families/friends have sent emails and made calls threatening the lives of government officials and then turn around and beg for leniency. Make it make sense.

How do you not know what's in your luggage...

Congressman your facts and statements are not only inaccurate but it is extremely disturbing that you would indicate that they are wrongly detained or that other nationalities are allowed to leave, please provide the details for the said Brazilian you refer. The laws in America do not apply in these islands and the reality is ignorance of the law is no excuse. TCI love all nationalities and are not targeting anyone when we uphold our laws no matter how draconian our laws are.

I am disappointed by the male politician who said they've been detained wrongfully. Their actions are what's wrongful, not the laws that they broke

I would not say wrongly detained! Know the laws of a country you are visiting. I doubt they are targeting Americans ( USA). If a citizen of that country is caught with bullets they certainly will go to jail.

Travelling to any country outside your own, do your research and know the laws before you go. If you are incapable of respecting the laws of the country you are travelling to stay home. In Singapore chewing gum or logging on to someones wifi without permission is illegal either one of those will land you in one of their prisons for 10 years.

Ignorance is not a defense

We are not targeting Americans. . Introduction Dear Rep. Guy Reschenthaler As a concerned Turks and Caicos Islander, I am writing to you about several remarks you made during your recent interview with ABC news in connection with the five Americans who violated the laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands by having ammunition in their possession. We are not against Americans - we are upholding our law. You made a statement that we are targeting Americans. This is untrue. You referred to a Brazilian being fined and let go. What you failed to report is that Alex Guzman, an American tourist who was fined $3500 for possession of ammunition and firearms. You also failed that another American tourist, 26yr old, Michael Grim Jr was sentenced to 8 months in jail after pleading guilty for possession of 20 rounds of illegal 9mm ammunition. You also failed that another American tourist, David O’ Connor was fined between $5000 and $6000 for possession of 44 rounds of ammunition. If we are against Americans, then are we also against the locals. Locals spent the maximum number of years in jail for possession of firearms and ammunition. Exceptional circumstances You failed to report that if the defense team can prove to the Courts that there are exceptional circumstances, the judge has the discretion to impose a custodial sentence and a fine rather than the minimum mandatory of 12 years. Therefore, it is very possible that these tourists will not get 12 years, but you must wait for the judge to make the ruling. Interference in our judicial system You mentioned that individuals were rolling their eyes at you and making inflammatory statements. You failed t to mention that you wanted to meet with the Chief Justice. Perhaps that is why eyes were being rolled because it appears that you and your colleagues were trying to interfere in the judicial system. You not only wanted to meet with the Chief Justice, but you also wanted the Governor of TCI to do something. There must be a separation of our legal system from our parliamentary system. Every 3rd week? It is false statement that every 3rd week, Americans are being detained. If that is the case, then why aren’t there more Americans detained. This is a false statement. No platform to crack down on Americans. There are not three ruling families, and no one ran on a platform to crack down on Americans. It is very unfortunate that you would make such false statements. We have two main political parties in this country comprising of several different individuals, not three families. Crime is a big concern for all and the platform that both parties address is to reduce crime. There was not never any reference to cracking down on Americans. Why would any Government target Americans when our economy depends on American tourists. You mentioned some statistics about the American ownership of real estate so make this make sense to me that we are cracking down on Americans. US Virgin Islands You mentioned that no other country has similar laws and that our law is inhumane. I refer you to the US Virgin Islands which states “Any person who, unless authorized by law possesses, sells, purchases, manufactures, advertises for sale, or uses armor piercing or exploding ammunition for use in a firearm shall be guilty of a felony and shall be fined not less than $15,000 and imprisoned not less than fifteen years. Now tell me, if this is humane. Conclusion It is a shame that the Rep. Guy Reschenthaler has taken this route in misleading the public and trying to interfere in our judicial system. I quite understand his concern for the Americans that are detained but he must respect our laws and let justice takes its place. I challenge Rep. Reschenthaler to retract his statements because he has not only insulted the people of the Turks and Caicos, but he has also made false statements.

Why did they not know they had ammunition in their bag? Most of us pack very carefully bc you go through scanners. It doesn't sound likely.

I have visited Turks and Caicos at least four times. I have never had a problem. I enjoy the vitality of the people in Turks and Caicos.

I’m sorry but why the hell would Turks and Caicos want to target the US I promise yall we don’t wan do nun harmful to all yall people so idk what typa foolishness that man talking bout.

Fun fact. Turk & Caicos have been working with Canada to become a Canadian province. BTW. If you go into Canada with arms and ammunition, you will be arrested too.

May Allah bless you all. It was an honor taking part in this session with my teachers, Shaykh Abdullah and Shaykh Omar. May Allah accept from them, the Yaqeen team and all of us.

How are they wrongfully if you are not following our laws

It's thier country and thier laws. Know the laws before you go. I own a home there and I'll tell you that you are totally wrong on all of your points.

There are two issues here. It is illegal in USA to carry live ammunition on an aircraft. A friend of mine from Turks was arrested in the States carrying an empty clip which was a present from his uncle. Straight to jail. It seems that with our scanners here we pick up items such as live ammo which TSA failed to detect and allowed passengers to board planes in USA. I do not believe the penalties will be too severe but the law is very clear on weapons and ammunition.

“wrongfully detained” no sir they are in a different country and they should respect their laws

Do you know what's in your bag? Did you pack your bag yourself? These questions are asked by customs officers worldwide. Travel 101. It's incumbent on the traveler to know what's in their bag. Your life can depend on it.

How did they get into Turks & Caicos if these illegal items were not discovered 'til they were leaving? Wouldn't the offense be entering the country with firearms or ammunition?

One goes thru Customs on the way into another country, not out of…Stop with the victimization as the laws in the Turks and Caicos had recently been made stricter. Let me ask anyone why not check the local and government rules and requirements prior to departure. Just being an American is not a defense. What constitutes a few rounds”? Their release should be carefully negotiated, but do not have the attitude that Americans are entitled, and the Island is lacking..Let this be a warning for others entering the Turks and Caicos, bring your bathing suit, your Amex, but leave all Ammo at home.

rounds in luggage? we are missing larger piece to this puzzle

This news reporting is sickening.. "wrongfully detained".. "targeting Americans"? How are you not checking your bags when travelling internationally, thereby taking ammo into a country that does not have your ridiculous gun laws?? There is no justification, know the laws of a country that you're travelling to and abide by them.

Seeing as we don't really know the circumstances behind the Brazilian woman (or if she even exists), it sounds as if the representative is expecting special treatment due to "we own their asses"...

Wild how people think being fined and not having to do 12 years for this would be exerting some kind of “privilege” here

Some enforce their laws......unlike the U.S .

How were they allowed to get on the plane with ammo in the first place ?

I'm proud to be an American, but only Americans can break the law of another country & then play the victim. So lame. That politician's opinions on this illegal activity is what's egregious.

Wow this comment section is insane.

Regardless, if ur citizens committed crime abroad, they will be punished. Same goes for an American teenager flogged in Singapore with jail time. The US was not able to negotiate. People need to be careful and Humble when ur visiting and staying a foreign land. It's plain common sense.

With privileges, responsibilities are required. 😮

How freakin’ hard is it to make sure your baggage is free of contraband?

Please go home and watch Midnight Express. Billy Hayes was guilty.

It’s still against the law. If you transport something illegally and get caught you are probably going to serve time.

Sounds like careless gun owners to not remember when and where you pack stuff.

Curious how low their murder rate is…basically they see how violent we are and they don’t want that mess in their nation. Murders don’t make for good vacation spots.

Not the U S. If you travel outside of the U S be smart.

Ill say it again, he owes the people of the Turks and Caicos an apology for lying. They welcome Americans and love them. Dont listen to him. Im so angry.

Just shows how loose some people are with guns and ammo. The amount of people caught with guns and rounds at airports daily would astound you. Respect the laws of the countries you visit and you won't go to jail

Who are they to go into another country and tell them what to do? This is beyond ridiculous. Stay home or abide by the rules of other countries.

What’s even crazier is them saying that these people are being treated so atrociously when they are sleeping in hotel rooms and eating food! These bold face lies is disgusting! What makes you so special that you feel that you should be exempt from the law? Everyone is held accountable equally in the past Americans have been relieved with just a fine now. The laws have recently changed and those same laws applies to everyone, including Brazilians and anyone else.

So if they “didn’t know the ammunition was in their luggage” does this mean the ammunition is being planted in their bags??

Can he bring up when the law changed and the 12 years was implemented?

Americans are NOT treated poorly here. Also, Turks Islanders are facing the same sentencing possibilities as the Americans. This guy got his facts wrong.

My thing is would you try to sympathize if it was the other way around? NO! After the first incident, others should have been extra careful when checking luggages before packing. Could be careless mistakes. But the keyword is careless. TSA also failed them.

I'm an American and I find it irresponsible for American lawmakers to lobby against another government's laws on gun control, just because this government won't take action to protect its citizens !!! Instead of flying to other countries, they should be passing laws in order to protect Americans !!! RIDICULOUS !!!

If they only complied with the law.

UNBELIEVABLE!! 12 YEARS FOR what?!

They aren’t being detained wrongfully! They broke the law!!

Sanction the islands for messing with us

You don't "accidentally" leave ammo in your luggage. You failed to properly inspect your luggage for restricted items like knives, meth, ammo & guns. Law & order.

I hope the leaders of the governments in Turks and Caicos watched the arrogant American put them in their place. Rep Reschenthaler (R-PA), I don't think you helped the Americans who brought illegal ammunition into foreign countries gain amnesty.

Why are people using their gun bags as travel bags. Like bruh if you don’t go and buy a whole separate bag for travel. 🤬 people trying to blame TSA is crazy.

The same situation happened in one of third world countries and they discovered that the inspectors who were planting the bullets. I hope they investigate this case.

🇺🇸exceptionalism on point here. The country forbids ammo and weapons. They are not gun obsessed as are 🇺🇸🇺🇸. Who travels with ammo? Turks doesn’t want ANY weapons or ammo in their country. This is a good thing. Learn to abide by the laws of the country you visit or stay home.

No special treatment just because they are Americans,you break the law pay the consequences

Here is what can be handled differently…don’t put ammo in your luggage! Didn’t know it was there ..seriously! Problem is stupidity

5:54 Could somebody please come forward to take credit for the TikTok challenge daring Americans to "forget" that they left ammo in their baggage and claim stupidity as their defense? Remember the In Living Color sketch "It's a C-O-N spiracy"? 🤔

Why would ANYONE vacation in an area where they are hated? I am sure theses people researched the best places to stay, eat do…dahhhhh they didn’t read where they are not wanted?!

Those reporters are liars

They broke FOREIGN law, not weak American law. Let them serve out their full punishment, no American privilege

When the state department travel advisory says don't go to this place, there is probably a pretty good reason.

We stop going there????? Plenty other islands to go.

I know people who left Haiti, years ago, with only the clothes on their back. Nicaragua too.

SO many people have never been on a hunting destination trip. Hilarious to see that they want fellow citizens jailed. Crazy

This is not by accident this is American entitlement and sending these lawmakers to change their minds is baffling

How would an American travel ban suit them?

The Brazilian lady was two years ago before the law was changed. Reschenthaler lying.

Omg he said that Turk’s and Cisco’s is doing this on purpose wowowowow

Sad to see the "special relationship" be tarnished because of Americans and their love of guns!

Waittttt lmao but baby girl with the weed oil is deemed okay 😭

Sovereign citizens who think the laws don't pertain to them in the United States also carry that stupidity to other countries....... unfortunately he carried that stupidity in his luggage.

It's not just this Guy there are other people in Jail there over this same thing.

Who DOES NOT check their suitcase and bags before packing??? all of them I guess...plain stupidity

Because one woman was allowed to go home Americans got treated differently? Didn’t two Americans allowed to go also without jail? It’s anti American because y’all think you can spread your superiority attitude in another country.

GOVERNOR’S RESPONSE TO ABC NEWS INTERVIEW The Turks and Caicos Islands values its warm relationship with the United States and welcomes over 1 million visitors each year. Our countries have close ties and work in strong partnership to tackle shared threats in the region. In the spirit of respect for this relationship, the Hon. Premier and I received a US Congressional Delegation to listen to their concerns about five US Nationals charged and on bail for the possession of ammunition offences. US Congressman Guy Reschenthaler’s commentary on ABC news following the meeting is highly regrettable. His characterisation of our meeting is not one we recognise. Our discussions were professional and respectful with a focus on clarifying the legal position and the well-being of the individuals. A mandatory minimum sentence of 12-years and a fine for possession of firearms and/or ammunition is in place to serve and protect all who reside and visit the Turks and Caicos Islands. The law provides discretion in exceptional circumstances for the judge to impose a reduced custodial sentence less than the 12-years and a fine that is fair and just for each case. To date, no US National has received the mandatory minimum sentence of 12-years. We do not target US Nationals and any statements to the contrary are without merit. Our independent justice system upholds the rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of nationality, whilst maintaining the security and integrity of our Islands. All five US Nationals are on bail with reporting conditions and are receiving US consular support. Three have pled guilty and two will enter their pleas within the next two weeks. Like the United States, we have a constitutional separation of the executive and judicial branches. There is no remit for the Turks and Caicos Islands Executive nor the UK Government to intervene or comment on ongoing legal cases before the courts. Law enforcement agencies apply professional standard operating procedures for processing matters through the legal system and will investigate any concerns where it is felt standards were not met. There have been no United Nations sanctions against His Majesty’s Prison Grand Turk. A February 2024 Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission report was positive with no findings against prisoner conditions. I appreciate the Congressman is concerned for his constituent, but the situation calls for respectful dialogue that guards against misrepresentation. It is important there is respect for due process and for public servants to perform their duties without fear or compromise. The rule of law is paramount and all are equal before the law. The Turks and Caicos Islands continues to welcome all visitors to enjoy our Beautiful by Nature Islands. (TCI SUN)

Third world countries be acting loosely nowadays

Every free country in the world relies almost solely on the United States for protection. Bight the hand the protects you and see what happens.

The representative fails to mention that americans are flooding the islands with cheap guns.

Stupid is as stupid does.

Lock them up! Why would anyone take weapons to another country?!?! This is the problem the world has with the United States. How did the TSA miss this?

Laws are laws right?

"What, no souvenirs daddy??" Wtf??

Gibberish nonsense, how are they being detained wrongfully? Remember ignorance of the law is no defense!

lies .......where is he gettting this information from ....targeting Americans??????.....this is stupid.

Their punishment don’t fit the crime

Don’t return on the third weeks