Lawmakers travel to Turks and Caicos after 5 Americans detained for illegal ammunition
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- Опубліковано 20 тра 2024
- Rep. Guy Reschenthaler was part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers that traveled to Turks and Caicos, hoping to secure the release of the Americans accused of illegally possessing ammunition.
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So, did the TSA in the US fail to find these ammunition?
Good question but we dont really know.
Yes TSA failed to find it in all cases but they keep skipping that and they keep skipping that part and skipping the bomb threats the TCI leaders, airports and schools we’re receiving when the American tourists were arrested for breaking the law.
Ammunition is allowed in your checked bag by the TSA.
You are absolutely NOT telling the truth. NO ONE is targeting US citizens. This sounds so silly. Why would we shoot ourselves in the foot? There absolutely no grounds for inflammatory statements. Your delegation came in full force to intimidate our leaders and have us change or bend our laws. The same would not be afforded one of our citizens, let's be real here. The delegation was told exactly what was written to them over the past few weeks. They wanted to speak with the judge before the trial. I don't know the legal term but I think they were trying to subvert justice. Anyway the judge has the right for linency depending on the situation BUT the law is the law and a custodial sentence is mandatory. Again the judge has the power over that but it must be served. Any other TCIs out there that KNOW the law please correct me. Thank you and excuse any errors but my brain thinks faster than my hands.😊
@@Tallus08the ammunition were in their carryon
Who packs ammo for a vacation and "forgets"? Lame excuse.
Their wive's who want an easy out.
.
Learn a lesson, pack your own bags
Actually Lou Dobbs wife. She forgot her gun was in "that purse." These are lethal weapons. If you cant remember where they are, you really dont have a right to own them.
Known to happen but not under smartest move ever.
Peoples lack of legal literacy can lead to comments that seem uninformed or simplistic.
Loose ammo can be as small as a vitamin so it's easy to see how they may miss it but how did it get missed by our protectors at TSA?
The same people that yelled Britney Grinner should have followed the law of Russia are the same people defending these law beakers.😒
And the same ppl saying bring her home are doing nothing for these folks. You’re just like those you wag that finger at. It’s almost like you partisan cultists are just alike.
@@donrainesohthe people that were saying “Bring her home” were the same people that knew that Russia has a history of trumping up BS charges on foreigners, jailing them, and using them as bargaining chips to force their home countries into doing/giving what Russia wants. Russia has been doing this en masse since the Cold War.
So you agree Britney Griner shouldn't have been let go right?
The only thing I would say know the difference dummy..
No. I am delighted Britney was released but she could have been killed in prison. And we gave away a motherload to get her back. A little more awareness would have prevented everything. She was use to traveling the world.
Question…. can a Turks citizen go to America with these same demands? 🤔
I bet dafuck not. Baby have you met Americans?? We’d never come out
try it see if you like it
@@jonathansantiago335 No that's an American thing, which is why we're here unfortunately.
Ikr the double standard
Do as we say, not as we do!
Over 20 rounds n not know its in your bag really?
Is 20 rounds alot?
Enough to know its there lol americans think they intitle to do what ever law is law
@@BonnieHaynes-gg4nkDepends on the calibre. 22lr, probably not gonna notice that if it's a heavy duty bag with multiple compartments.
It was 2 rounds not 20
You don’t hunt there- you scuba dive!😂
😂😂😂😂😂
maybe they dont know thats not what you use to shot fish with 🤣🤣
Facts
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.
Absolutely right...and well said
He is asking for the same treatment as is given to other non-American countries. Why do you have an issue with that? Do you discriminate against Americans?
@@Allaiya. So what about the Americans that they allowed to pay a fine and serve no jail time? Were they discriminating then as well?
@@teewilliams94 which Americans were those?
@@teewilliams94 No that was before the law change. The law changed to 12 years prison time except in "exceptional circumstances". It appears that judges gave tourists from every other country the "exceptional circumstance" pass where they were given a fine and sent home(like the Brazilian woman mentioned), cause I can't find a single news story about any other tourist being detained like this.
Except for American tourist's of course. Apparently their treated differently under the law.
If our Homeland Security / TSA was doing their jobs? None of these people would be in the predicament they are in 🤷🏽♂️. 😂😂😂
Huh???😳
@@8ofwands300if they brought the ammunition from America but only got caught with it on the return flight, one would logically deduce that either they did not get checked properly before leaving America or it was planted somewhere along the way.
@@crptnite or they bought it there for some rwason but we dont know what weapons the ammo was for.
TSA is worthless. It has been ever since Bush ordered its organization along with Homeland Security. It’s all bovine mammaries
The hell with personal responsibility. 🤦🏻♂️
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.
I think she is out of Jail and they left a bunch of other poor people in Jail in Russia. She has absolutely nothing to complain about.
@@berteisenbraun7415 Grainer is not complaining, she is grateful for what the D of State did for her. MAGA is complaining that Grainer was released either for too much or at all.
@@rb239rtr so why all of a sudden you liberals aren't showing empathy for this guy?
Why the F are you taking ammunition on vacation?
Well you know the red neck American, Have Gun, Will Travel.
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.
Oh come on. It wasnt intentional. They're just dummies.
@@taroman7100oh it was definitely intentional by their wives
And the laws are posted on the State Depts website. Not hard.
@@taroman7100did you have this same energy when it come to Britney Griner?
@@CarbideSix Yes, I critique Brittany Griner too. She broke the law in Russia, she was convicted and went to prison. She was guilty too.
Wrongfully convicted? Ignorance of the law is not a defense.
It is for stupid people who have no travel experience.
Actually that is a big proponent of common law. You can't jail people for doing something they didn't even know was illegal. The burden is on the state to clearly communicate the laws. This is why we have speed limit signs on EVERY road so people are made aware of the speed limit. It would be ridiculous to have no speed limit signs and still penalize people for an "invisible" speed limit.
I don't know if the American's knew about the ammo law or not, but there is also Mens Rea to consider. Something that even Turks and Caicos should know because they're descended from English common law. I nearly walked out of Walmart one time without paying for my cart because I work overnight at the hospital and was functioning on 2 hrs of sleep in 36 hrs.
Thankfully the security guard realized I wasn't actually trying to steal and in my brain fog had forgotten I hadn't actually paid for the groceries.
In your mind should I be sent to jail? I don't even have the excuse of ignorance of the law. It was an innocent mistake. The court system knows such incidents occur, and most such incidents don't even get referred up to criminal prosecution.
Too often people forget to look at what the spirit of the law is supposed to accomplish and have rods up their rears wanting to punish ANYONE who can conceivably been seen as crossing the line regardless of circumstances. Reminds me of the Pharisees to be honest. They wanted to penalize Jesus for breaking the "law" of doing no work on the sabbath, even when that "work" was healing a blind man.
The purpose of the law is to stop and punish thieves from stealing from stores. Not to penalize an overworked medical worker who forgot to pay for groceries.
The purpose of the Turks and Caicos law is to prevent arms smuggling to gangs. Not to penalize tourist's on vacation who forgot about 2 bullets they left rolling around the bottom of their luggage by accident.
The punishment doesn’t fit the crime!! How many more do you wanna lock up, there are 2 million Americans behind bars already!!!!!!! We gotta stand up for americans
I cant believe youre rooting for a law that’s absolutely idiotic! 12 years behind bars and if you count the processing time it might be 14-15 years! But guess what if you punch someone on the beach you get 2 months max!
12 years is ridiculous and if you've ever supported gun rights at all then you should be ashamed.
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.
‼️‼️‼️‼️
😂😂😂😂😂 he’s a MAGA republican and loyalist to Donald Trump. It’s in his verbiage to talk propaganda.
I think the argument being made was that Turks and Caicos treats all other tourist's differently than they treat American's(12 years in prison) while a Brazilian woman is sent home with a fine.
Turks and Caicos is descended from English common law so they understand Mens Rea. It's been an agreement in common law that when something is very obviously an innocent mistake that the issue is dropped or has minimal repercussions if it hasn't caused harm to others. The spirit of the law matters more than the strict guidelines of the law.
Are you claiming that relative's have caused bomb scares at these airports in retaliation? Can you cite where you're getting these sources?
If a foreign government is using legalese BS to discriminate harsher charges on someone because of their nationality, then yes they deserve to have unpleasant emails and phone calls. Calling out injustice isn't going to be like sitting around at tea time and being polite. The people perpetrating the injustice are smug and evil who enjoy lording their power over others. The only way to get them to back down is with force, fear and the threat of severe repercussions for trying to pull hanky panky crap with double standards of justice.
A lot of American's are spoiled so they seem to forget that most of the rest of the world has a staggering amount of corruption. And a favorite is tourist traps where governments try to ding unwitting tourist's with heavy fines to get money and play power games to get concessions from their governments. Until recent decades most American's were protected from this by some degree because the USA doesn't screw around with legalistic BS and power games. But it is a global issue that has been around for awhile.
Yea they basically do live under rocks. The locals live in shacks and there’s constant shootings etc. They truly hate Americans (just returned on May 10th). They target Americans and don’t want tourist from the US there. A lady at the airport told another employee to “check all the white males” it’s disgusting
These Americans are too arrogant. Stay home if you cannot abide by the rules if another country.
How do you not know what's in your luggage...
Because the men let their unhappy wives pack for them
Especially in the case of 20 rounds.
I have lost a few swiss army knife type things because i legitimately forgot.
It’s more common than you think. Have you accidentally had left a large water bottle or contact solution in your bag? Both are not allowed on flights
@@Allaiya. yes. But i dont need a license to carry it.when they ask if.....i always say. To the best of my knowlege no
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.
No he thinks this is US where there is one law for poor and one for rich; one law for pale and another for dark skin
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
12 years is fair…….get alife
Agreed 💯
@@bradpotter3197 when you travel realize other countries DGAF about you and your privilege
The problem is that Turks and Caicos treats other citizens of other countries differently. They are vehemently anti-American and are targeting Americans. For example a woman in Brazil who was caught with ammo she was given a simple fine and was free to leave. It's only American's that are being targeted with 12 years of jail time and are being threatened to be put in a jail that has concerns for human right's violations.
We have Turks And Caicos Islander who is going through thing. Who is facing they same 12yrs, they are not targeting Americans . There is a young lady from the Turks And Caicos Islands who will be going to trial in June for the same thing .
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.
Yup. Or drugs. Or hash. Or taking photos of certain installments. Dat dere law.
My problem is that it appears that tourists from other countries are let go with a simple fine, like the Brazilian lady the politician mentioned.
And I can't find a single news story about anyone from any other country being detained like this in Turks and Caicos which provides further impetus to me that it only seems to be American's that their treating with harsher penalties.
@@rachelnaisbett403 Find the Brazilian case or any other country!!
Am I missing something?? Why would you ever go anywhere in or outside this country without fully checking your luggage first? I mean seriously, this is shocking that five people are detained over this
@@micadd1agreed 100%.
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.
Germany and Turkey say NO PICS OF ANYTHING MILITARY. They nean it.
It is really a matter of showing respect to another country.
@@BonnieHaynes-gg4nkwhat I’m learning is either most countries have some really draconian laws or the USA is quite liberal & lenient with its laws.
Oh please. No one is researching every single law before going to lay on a beach in the Caribbean. This is the fault of the Biden administration who is bought and paid for by the CCP which has been currying favor in the Caribbean for some time now.
How is it that they are targeting Americans when it’s mostly Americans who through their countless acts of carelessness with the same type of situation. It’s only so much “I forgot”.
Ignorance is not a defense
Your ignorance is blinding, what's your excuse?
Ummm it actually is a defense
It is absolutely a defense! Grow up you damn loser!!
@@ryanjones3043 I bet you didn't say that for Brittney Griner
what idiots when I was overseas I made my self aware fo the laws in country. Abide by the laws idiots
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.
Thank you!
Lying is their hobby especially when it comes to relaying facts to the news. This is isn't a surprise at all. It's nice to see that a lot of Americans are in support of the Turks and Caicos Islands. But we know how the government over there go. We better start painting our roofs blue.
Good man. As you can see from the comments Americans have no empathy for these people. Something is fishy here. Encourage your government to stick to their values. Five people forgetting they had ammo in their luggage is not plausible. There is something more serious going on here. We Americans don't trust our politicians. You shouldn't either. The congressman is a natural-born liar.
Perception is reality and it sure seems like you're targeting Americans and have draconian laws.
@@jjwilly5114 America bout to have draconian laws in 5 minutes, hold tight, you soon find out what it really means to have draconian laws. When you point one finger, three pointing back at you. Yall coming on here acting like yall don't know the American judicial system is one of the most corrupt unjust systems on this planet. They the Godfather of corruption and yall leader BEEN setting to have all yall freedoms taken away, Plz, if we got draconian laws then it was adopted from the USA
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.
So do you think they were trying to start a revolution? Or what was the plan in your opinion
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.
We loved 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.
He's a republican they tend to be trash people
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.
BECAUSE CANADA'S RECENTLY BECOME CHINESE COMMIE'S INTENT UPON TAKING CONTROL OF THE U.S. FOR CHINA UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE U.N. AND NATO.
Always check the laws of your destination. The State Dept website summarizes them.
I did not know any of that. But neither am I going anywhere
@@BonnieHaynes-gg4nkso you were furious when Grinner was released correct?
But how long will you be locked up
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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.
There is a legal way to transport firearms and ammunition in an aircraft. They have to be declared ahead of time and in checked luggage. International transport requires additional import/export paperwork.
An empty magazine is not something that someone would go to jail over, given that we don't even sent people to jail that are caught with a loaded firearm at a TSA checkpoint. Scanners do not pick up live ammo!
“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.
Sounds like that girl basketball player who went to Russia 85 percent of Americans didn’t want her back yet democrats did we don’t want the democrats either 😂
Yup. In every and any language.
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?
That's a good question. Now you're asking the questions that might actually justify American involvement...
After watching many shows on customs and immigration, it's clear that only a small percentage of people with forbidden items are caught. That's why people smuggle.
@@crptnite how would you prove they brought them into the country....now?
You are assuming a certain level of competence, sadly
We know so few of the facts, it is just a guessing game. It is a very positive sign that the congressman made the trip to try and deal. Again we have no real clue what they said, but Congress was not working Britneys and the other guy is still there.
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
Thank you. I did forget a swiss army knife once, bcse i use it in the barn and just didnt think of it as a weapon. They took it away. They were right
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.
100%. I live in TCI and it's in place for a reason. Also, TIs are facing the same sentence. No one is targeting Americans. Also, no one shuns Americans. My blood is boiling.
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
Because it is!!
Don't*
Follow the law
Some enforce their laws......unlike the U.S .
How were they allowed to get on the plane with ammo in the first place ?
It could have been in their checked luggage (where TSA permits it) or it could have been missed.
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.
"only Americans can break the law of another country & then play the victim" --- A very typical ignorant American view point.
You are wrong…”only American”? 🤡we have plenty of illegals who do mass crimes and claim victimhood.
If you watched to the end you'll notice that the politician brings up how citizens from other countries who commit the EXACT same crime are given a slap on the wrist and a fine before their free to go. It's only American citizens for the most part that the nation is targeting with egregious and over the top penalties. Which is unjust, immoral, and quite frankly evil and they should be called out on the double standard of justice their playing.
It’s not egregious. It’s part of the government’s job to assist you as a citizen. Same for other people & their government.
And did you even watch?
He just said the Brazilian with the same exact issue was treated with much more leniency.
12+ years of a persons life for an accident is absolutely ridiculous, doesn’t matter what country you’re from. Frankly, it’s inhumane.
Imagine forcing someone to miss out on 12 years of their life or not seeing their kids grow up, for a “crime” where no one was injured or killed or where no intent to harm was shown.
Sounds like cruel punishment to me.
I did watch.
I appreciate & respect your opinion & perspective. Thanks for sharing it ( :
I hear you.
The fact that someone has kids should not be a factor as to whether or not they are prosecuted for breaking a law. Respectfully, I'm tired of hearing that as an argument. I don't have kids. If I committed the same offense, would I be more deserving of 12 yrs since I don't have kids? Too many things are being presented as excuses when we need to be held accountable for our actions.
Nonviolent crime is still crime.
& no one is forcing them to miss out on 12 yrs. Their actions are what led to this potential outcome. It is not Turks & Caicos' responsibility to accept the ignorance of a handful of Americans & give them leniency just because they have families or made innocent mistakes.
Rules are made for a reason. & breaking those rules comes with consequences.
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.
Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints.
Americans are terrible at following this Proverb.
With privileges, responsibilities are required. 😮
Spoken like a minimum wage earner!
@@joshuapaul349 Spoken like someone with entitlement.
@@facingeast7956Entitled to everything I worked hard for!
@@facingeast7956 Aw, you have to want more than minimum wage muffin.
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.
Unless you're in a man in the wnba.
@@joshuapaul349 She went to prison in Russia. She paid for her crime
You're right, it's against the law. But the American's should be given the same penalty that is given to others. Other nations citizen's have committed the same unintentional offense in Turks and Caicos and their sent home with a simple fine. It's pretty much only against Americans that Turks and Caicos are suddenly wanting to use a 12 year prison sentence with a jail that has been flagged for human right's violations.
Turks and Caicos needs to be called out for their double standard of supposed "justice", this can't be allowed to stand.
@@carsi7282 What planet do you live on? He got traded like a underperforming basketball player.
The issue is its minimum 12 years which is well beyond reasonable.
At the point, just take off a finger bc they “broke the law”, so it’s ok right? Same energy
Sure, they can do whatever bc it’s their country. But Americans and pretty much anyone else needs to be warned about going there.
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.
Cause they hate US now more than ever!
You go thru our tsa to embark if you leave from the US. But i am not sure how much checked luggage is xrayed. But i get notes in my checked luggage saying,
TSA was here, too.
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.
I know. Nice digs, huh?
So if they “didn’t know the ammunition was in their luggage” does this mean the ammunition is being planted in their bags??
They all ADMITTED they left ammo in their bags. You may want to look up the word.
Planted by whom? 😒 yall be reaching
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.
I'd like to get his email because he owes the people of TCI an apology. He was wrong for that.
i'm not some miserable citizen of your island. i'm a tourist paying you for vacation. enough of your island's garbage laws
Thats a lie.
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?!
Breaking their laws! No ammo,,Cupcake. You can't take guns & ammo into Canada or Mexico. No difference.
breaking their laws.. Americans are not special
for breaking a country's law. It's their law not how Americans want to make it to be when Americans are involved. Yes, 12-year is harsh for the circumstances. In the US, a lot of people like to say: lock them up then throw away the keys. No, when it is another country locking up Americans?
Obviously for being wealthy Americans who had the audacity to vacation in a nation they knew nothing about.
Or understand that America does not own the entire world and not because u can do it in America w/ no consequences means there won't be consequences in someone else's counrry.
They aren’t being detained wrongfully! They broke the law!!
Sanction the islands for messing with us
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.
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 found shot gun shells in my suitcase from my ex husband hunting trip while I am packing my suit case.
It puts the Lotion on the skin, or it gets the house again..
My former coworker accidentally left a knife in her luggage when going through an airport in the USA (it was her husbands). Imagine if she got 12 years.
She wouldn’t have been able to be there for her son when he diagnosed & then died from ALS.
@@georgiafain3747first of all, I would never use a suitcase from an ex….
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.
They are mercenaries doing hit jobs all over south america.
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.
Yes, if there is a larger conspiracy going on, I Pray that Justice Will Be Served 💜🙏🏽🕊️
The guy confessed that those were his bullets. Same caliber for his hunting rifle. 20 rounds? Come on now.
Man you have got to be kidding me . The guy said it was his !!! Y’all really believe Turks folks got the time to be planting bullets ? For what ? Especially if he’s just a “normal family man “? Smt
@@kilogolfmike8095 It makes you wonder if these people think or read facts before posting.
No special treatment just because they are Americans,you break the law pay the consequences
🇺🇸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.
Think that’s the point of this video. To alert Americans to not go there. Not safe for them
@@Allaiya.not safe? Is it that hard to check your luggage?... I mean if you are adamant on not being responsible before you travel then I guess you're right. Travelling is not safe for anyone like that, they should really stay in their home country
@@VikasdersTCI yes, not safe. Mistakes happen. Imagine if workplaces had such practices for mistakes employees made.
12 years of prison time is ridiculous for anyone. But as discussed in the video, Americans are being given harsher sentences.
Why would anyone go somewhere where people think it’s ok to treat them worse than people from other countries & then have those same people justify it by blaming the individuals?
@@Allaiya. the congessman is a liar. The Brazillian woman went through the same deal as the the American Hagerman, they both paid a fine and were put on a plane out of the country. The remaining Americans will get the same deal:
"For those convicted of possessing ammunition and firearms, exceptional circumstances may be considered during sentencing. The sentencing judge "has discretion to impose a custodial sentence (less than the twelve years) and a fine that are fair and just in the circumstances of each case," the Turks and Caicos attorney general said in a statement in April."
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?!
No one is hated, that guy is being biased to stir up the American people.
Simple answer the congressman is being untruthful.
the congressman is a liar. THe brazillian lady face a fine just as the recently released Hagerman did.
Those reporters are liars
They broke FOREIGN law, not weak American law. Let them serve out their full punishment, no American privilege
Why then is Turks and Caicos only punishing American tourist's and not tourist's from any other nations? They let a Brazilian woman go home with a fine. This is a power play to show how they can treat American's in the harshest way possible with a double standard of justice. And injustice and evil should be called out.
Not that I expect people in the modern age to recognize what evil is anymore. Can't even properly ascribe what "privilege" means. And they act that coming from the freest and most prosperous nation on the planet with the best standard of living is an inherent bad thing.
When the state department travel advisory says don't go to this place, there is probably a pretty good reason.
Just like how the state department issued a statement to check luggage before traveling and 5 of them still didn’t listen to their own state, what a time
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
Oh, is that why they're bringing the ammo. It's an actual hunting destination trip? That's what I was thinking.
No it's not know the law before yall comment foolishness
I bet you wanted Britanny Griner jailed. Keep that same energy
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?
How do 5 people forget that they had ammo in their luggage at the same time? Quite a coincidence wouldn't you say? Banning stupidity on UA-cam would erase you from the platform.
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
This political talking head is not the best or the brightest.
it turns out the congressman is a liar
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.
Who DOES NOT check their suitcase and bags before packing??? all of them I guess...plain stupidity
It's not just this Guy there are other people in Jail there over this same thing.
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.
Well America is superior
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)
good response from the GOvernor. The second last paragraph clearly calls the congressman a liar in such a delicate, British way.
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.
that is an imperialist attitude. THose countries mostly buy their weapons from the USA so it is a symbiotic relationship. Bight is spelled bite.
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
No it really doesn’t
Doesn't matter. They broke foreign laws, not American law
Go and steal something in Saudi Arabia.
🇺🇲laws are not universal.and how do you forget 20 rounds existed in you laggage...
It’s a tough law but was created to discourage gun violence …not to target Americans
Don’t return on the third weeks