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Ex-Marine Jailed For Driving Into Mexico With Guns

Cars wait to enter the U.S. from Mexico at the San Ysidro Port of Entry near San Diego on Aug. 1, 2011.
Jose Luis Jiménez
Cars wait to enter the U.S. from Mexico at the San Ysidro Port of Entry near San Diego on Aug. 1, 2011.

A California congressman is seeking the release of a former combat U.S. Marine jailed in Tijuana after he drove into Mexico with three legally owned guns in his vehicle.

Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter sent a letter Friday to Secretary of State John Kerry asking him to secure former Marine Andrew Tahmooressi's release.

Hunter says Tahmooressi was lost last month when he missed the last U.S. exit. He recently moved from Florida to California. Hunter said in a statement:

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“Mexican authorities have set a hearing for the end of the month. That’s too long, knowing that Andrew’s safety and well-being are at risk. This entire situation can be resolved quickly, with Mexico expediting his proceedings and releasing him as soon as possible.”

State Department officials said they do not comment on arrests of private individuals without the person's permission. Mexican officials could not be reached for comment.

In 2008, an active-duty Army soldier was jailed in Ciudad Juarez, across from El Paso, Texas, for driving into Mexico with guns, knives and ammunition. He said he was lost and was eventually released.

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