Pennsylvania Dad Speaks Out on Lack of Support from State Department and Anti-American Sentiment in Turks and Caicos

Bryan Hagerich, a Pennsylvania father arrested and detained for over 100 days in Turks and Caicos for having stray ammunition in his luggage, discusses the lack of support from the State Department and anti-American sentiment among government officials.

Bryan Hagerich, a Pennsylvania dad of two, has returned home after spending over 100 days in detention in Turks and Caicos for having stray ammunition in his luggage. Upon his release, Hagerich expressed concerns about the lack of support from the State Department and the anti-American sentiment he experienced from TCI government officials.

"I wasn't contacted by the State Department for over two months after I was detained," Hagerich told Fox News Digital. "When they finally did reach out, it was after the story had gained national attention."

Hagerich also recalled a U.S. State Department official joking about the possibility of swimming back to the U.S. to avoid further detention, a comment that left him questioning the department's priorities.

"It begs the question: Which side are they on?" Hagerich said. "Are they on the U.S. side or the Turks side?"

A State Department spokesperson responded that the department's top priority is the safety of U.S. citizens overseas and that it provides consular assistance to detained individuals. However, the spokesperson did not comment on the specific case.

Hagerich also criticized what he described as "anti-American sentiment" from TCI officials. He said prosecutors compared him to American murderers and Brittney Griner.

"They need to find a different approach," Hagerich said. "They're doing a better job of capturing American tourists than they are of their own people committing crimes."

Since February, five Americans have been arrested in Turks and Caicos for having ammunition in their luggage. Two, Ryan Watson of Oklahoma and Sharitta Grier of Florida, still face sentencing.

Michael Wenrich, a Virginia father, was released after paying a $10,000 fine for having two stray bullets in his luggage. While he was immediately connected with the State Department, Wenrich said he and his family had to push for assistance.

Both Hagerich and Wenrich thanked state and federal lawmakers, as well as their friends and family, for helping them get back home.

"There's a lot of crime on that island that this ammo law isn't deterring," Wenrich said. "It would benefit tourists if they reevaluate the laws for people who aren't intending to do anything wrong."

Despite the challenges they faced, Hagerich and Wenrich are relieved to be back home and are grateful for the support they received from their loved ones.