BEIJING, China: The families of two Americans who have been in prison in China for over 10 years are asking U.S. President Donald Trump to try to get them freed when he meets Chinese leader Xi Jinping this week.

The two prisoners are Dawn Michelle Hunt, a 54-year-old artist and former flight attendant from Chicago, and Nelson Wells Jr., a 52-year-old father of three from Louisiana. They were convicted of drug crimes, but their families say they were tricked into carrying drugs without knowing it, in separate scams.

For Trump, helping to free these two sick prisoners could be a positive result from the meeting, especially since talks are expected to be difficult because of issues like trade, Iran, and Taiwan.

For China, releasing the two Americans on humanitarian grounds would be a small step that could improve relations with the U.S.

Dawn Hunt's brother, Tim Hunt, said their families are writing letters asking Trump to raise the issue during the meeting. He hopes the letters will reach him.

He described his sister as very intelligent and creative, with a background in fashion design. He said she was tricked by scammers into going on a "prize" trip to China. While there, she was given bags and a suitcase that secretly contained drugs, which she unknowingly agreed to carry.

Nelson Wells Jr. loved traveling and exploring mountains. His family says he was arrested after he agreed to carry someone else's suitcase while leaving China. The person disappeared after drugs were found hidden in the bag.

Wells' father, a U.S. Army veteran, said he served his country and now hopes his country will help his son.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson said the government is helping both prisoners and is concerned about their health, but did not share details.

China's Foreign Ministry said the two were convicted of serious drug crimes and that their cases are being handled according to the law, while their health and rights are being protected.

Advocates say the U.S. has formally asked China to release them on humanitarian grounds, and Chinese officials may consider the request if it comes from a high level.

A lawyer in Beijing said China seems open to the idea but wants to know how important the issue is to the U.S.

The families say both prisoners are in poor health. Hunt has serious medical problems and needs blood transfusions, but does not trust prison doctors enough to have surgery. Wells suffers from seizures, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health issues.

In 2024, the U.S. and China each released three of their citizens who had been held by the other country, after years of negotiations.