US State Department travel advisories

US Lawmakers Secure Release of Ryan Corbett and Ryan Watson from Turks and Caicos

Jun 21, 2024, 03:51 PM

The Senate and House recently passed a resolution demanding the release of NY24 resident Ryan Corbett, who was detained in Turks and Caicos. This move came as part of broader diplomatic efforts to address the unjust imprisonment of American tourists under a harsh ammunition law. The Turks and Caicos government has since reversed this law, leading to the release of Ryan Watson, another American detainee. Watson, who faced a potential twelve-year sentence for accidentally carrying bullets, is now on his way home to Oklahoma to reunite with his wife, Valerie. A bipartisan CODEL has led to the release of three of four Americans detained at the time of the trip. Efforts continue to secure the release of remaining detained Americans, including Floridian Sharitta Grier.