SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — A couple accused of refusing to fill out the required ******** entry form at Puerto Rico’s airport and providing proof of a negative test for the *********** were detained after they locked themselves in their minivan for several hours, prompting ****** to send a negotiator, officials said Wednesday.

The couple detained late Tuesday were accused of obstructing a public official and could face a hefty fine or up to six months in prison.

They arrived in Puerto Rico Jan. 2 and had been ordered to appear in court on Tuesday. When they didn’t show up, authorities searched for them and found them inside a minivan in the northern city of Caguas.

A small number of protesters showed up to support the couple and threatened several journalists, who then left.

The island of 3.3 million people has reported more than 221,600 confirmed ********** and more than 3,300 ******. Given a recent spike in ******** cases, Gov. Pedro Pierluisi has implemented more restrictions, including requiring all those traveling to Puerto Rico to present a negative test upon arrival regardless of their vaccination status.