On the morning of April 2, 2025, U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Michigan, departed for Mexico to advocate for the release of Michigan couple Paul and Christy Akeo, who have been held in a maximum-security prison for nearly a month.

Paul and Christy Akeo were arrested on March 4, 2025, for allegedly canceling payments to Palace Resorts, a timeshare company. What started as a financial dispute quickly escalated into a legal battle, leaving the couple behind bars and their family back home desperately seeking help.

Barrett, a veteran who serves as the Representative for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, has been in contact with members of the Akeo family. In a post on X, he expressed concern that the conditions Paul and Christy live in continue declining. He also emphasized that their imprisonment is unacceptable and that diplomatic pressure must be applied to resolve the situation.

After his visit, he posted:

After landing in Cancun this morning, I traveled directly to the maximum security prison where Paul and Christy Akeo are being held. I met with them personally for an hour and learned of the horrific conditions they are facing — rubbled walls, overcrowded cells, toilets that don’t flush, and disgusting food. This has left them scared, frustrated, and struggling to find hope. I assured them that I am doing everything I can to urgently secure their safe release.

Following my meeting with Paul and Christy I met with the president of the Quintana Roo Supreme Court to expedite any relief we can provide. Thank you to the U.S. State Department for their assets and support on the ground to end this family’s nightmare, and I hope to have more to share soon.

“Enough is enough. After spending nearly a month in a maximum-security Mexican prison over what amounts to a contract dispute on a timeshare, it’s long overdue for the Mexican authorities to release Paul and Christy,” Barrett said.

The case has drawn increasing attention, with supporters calling for U.S. officials to intervene. Family members have described the past month as a nightmare, struggling to get answers and fearing for Paul and Christy’s well-being. Meanwhile, legal experts and lawmakers are questioning the severity of the response from Mexican authorities.

Barrett’s trip signals an effort to escalate the issue and push for their release. And serves as an example of politicians serving the people they represent.  He is expected to meet with U.S. embassy officials and, if possible, Mexican authorities to advocate for the couple. The Akeo family remains hopeful that this visit will bring much-needed progress in bringing Paul and Christy home.