U.S. Marine veteran Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi has been released from a Mexican prison after eight months behind bars.

26-year-old Tahmooressi was allowed to cross the border into the U.S. Friday night and boarded a private jet bound for Florida around 9pm. Earlier that day, a Mexican judge ordered his immediate release without making a determination on the charges against him.

On March 31, 2014, Tahmooressi was detained by Mexican authorities after he says he got lost on a Califnornia freeway and, with no way to turn around, accidentally entered Tijuana with three weapons in his truck. While Tahmooressi was imprisoned, his family and some politicians back home made a strong diplomatic push to secure his release.

In September, a Congressional hearing was called to cast scrutiny on Obama Administration efforts to free Tahmooressi. Many feel that the administration should have done more, especially considering Tahmooressi's two tours of duty In Afghanistan and the fact that he suffers from PTSD.

The judge who ordered the release said the decision was made after considering Tahmooressi's mental state and the nature of the charges against him. His family and supporters credit the victory to diplomatic pressure.

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