Families Push Trump to Free Two Americans Jailed in China

In Beijing, two American families are calling on President Trump to step in during his upcoming meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The men—Dawn Michelle Hunt and Nelson Wells Jr.—were sentenced to more than ten years in Chinese prisons after unknowingly transporting drugs in suitcase scams. Their families claim the men were tricked by fraudsters who promised prizes and trips, leading them to carry hidden narcotics on flights.

• Hunt: A Chicago artist who once worked as a flight attendant, now needs blood transfusions but distrusts prison doctors.
• Wells: A Louisiana native with three children, battling seizures, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Both suffer serious health problems while imprisoned, and the families fear their conditions will worsen without proper care in the United States.

Diplomatic Efforts

• The U.S. State Department is providing consular support and has asked China for a humanitarian release, but details remain private.
• A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson stated the men are serving lawful sentences for drug offenses and that their rights are protected under Chinese law.
• Beijing-based lawyer James Zimmerman reports that China is open to a release if the U.S. side emphasizes how vital it would be for the American people.
• Former fraud investigator Peter Humphrey notes that U.S. officials have been more actively raising the cases with Chinese authorities in recent months.

Legislative Response

The families support new legislation by Representative Chris Smith, named after the cases, aimed at improving aid for families of detained Americans. In a recent congressional hearing, they testified, drawing national attention to the plight of U.S. citizens in Chinese jails.

Personal Toll

• Hunt’s father died before the man could be freed.
• Wells’ youngest daughter barely knows her father after being separated at six months old.

Despite the emotional toll, both families remain determined to see their loved ones returned home. They hope President Trump’s trip will give them a chance to present their pleas directly and secure the release of Dawn Michelle Hunt and Nelson Wells Jr.