Marine jailed in Mexico returns home

A retired U.S. Marine held in a Mexican jail for eight months returned home to Florida on Saturday after a judge ordered his release. 

Retired Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi was jailed in March for crossing the border with loaded guns. His detention received media attention and spurred calls from lawmakers. 

{mosads}”It is with an overwhelming and humbling feeling of relief that we confirm that Andrew was released today after spending 214 days in Mexican jail,” Tahmooressi’s family said in a statement Friday. 

Tahmooressi reportedly arrived at a South Florida airport early Saturday morning and is now resting at his family’s home in Weston, Florida. 

The judge released him based on his mental state — Tahmooressi suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder after serving in Afghanistan – and did not address the weapons charges, according to The Associated Press. 

Tahmooressi has said he drove across the U.S. border into Tijuana by mistake in March with three loaded guns in his car.

His case received heightened attention from conservative politicians including Reps. Steve Stockman (R-Texas) and Matt Salmon (R-Ariz.). 

Stockman supported the #BringBackOurMarine campaign on Twitter and recorded videos asking for Tahmooressi’s release. He also introduced a resolution that would impose sanctions on Mexico if Tahmooressi’s detention continued. 

Mexico previously contended that the Marine veteran should stand trial for breaking the law, but his lawyers argued he must be released because Mexico cannot give him adequate treatment for his post-traumatic stress disorder.

Salmon (R-Ariz.) said in a statement that he was “truly overjoyed” by the news” and emphasized that the move is integral to help Tahmooressi receive mental health treatment.  

“While I am disappointed that his release did not take place much sooner, I am thankful to Mexican Attorney General Jesus Murillo Karam for displaying compassion for Sergeant Tahmooressi’s medical condition,” he said. “We wish Andrew a safe and happy return to the United States.”

This story was posted on Oct. 31 at 8:34 p.m. and updated at 1:50 p.m.