WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman returned from a bipartisan, bicameral congressional delegation (CODEL) to Turks and Caicos (TCI) to meet with TCI officials about five American citizens who are currently being detained for carrying small amounts of ammunition in their luggage when traveling to TCI. One of the detained Americans, Bryan Hagerich, is from Somerset County, PA. Senator Fetterman was joined by Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), and Representatives Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Josh Brecheen (R-OK), Michael Cloud (R-TX), and Bob Good (R-VA).
Senator Fetterman released the following statement on the CODEL:
“We made the trip to Turks and Caicos to meet with officials and facilitate the return of five American citizens being held because they inadvertently had ammunition in their luggage – including one Pennsylvanian, Bryan Hagerich.
“We had the opportunity to meet each of the detained Americans, who were in good spirits but want to go home. These people did not set out to break the law. They are people who made a mistake and now face substantial time in prison because of it. As we articulated to TCI officials, I urge the court to be lenient when addressing this case.
“I would like to thank the TCI officials who met with us. I left these meetings optimistic that we can get this resolved and look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and TCI officials to bring these American citizens home to their families.”