Rep. Vargas Calls for Immediate Release of Former Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi
WASHINGTON, DC (May 6, 2014) – In his continued effort to fight for the release of former U.S. Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi from La Mesa Penitentiary in Tijuana, Mexico, Rep. Juan Vargas (D-CA-51) sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry yesterday urging the Department of State to take a more active role in the case. Last week, Rep. Vargas contacted the U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana, Mexico, who responded to his inquiry earlier today. In addition, Rep. Vargas will send a letter, led by Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA-50), to Mexico’s Attorney General.
“Former Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi served two tours in Afghanistan with honor and dignity,” said Rep. Vargas. “Andrew made an honest mistake when he drove into Mexico and his actions do not merit federal charges. As such, I strongly urge the Mexican government to drop all charges and release him back to his family and his country.”
Early last month, the former Marine mistakenly crossed the U.S. –Mexico border with legal firearms in his possession. The El Chaparral border crossing, which offers limited turnarounds before entering into Mexico, is often confusing for motorists who are not familiar with the layout. Rep. Vargas, along with other members of the San Diego Congressional delegation are joining together to fight for the prompt release of the veteran.
“It is unacceptable that our country would allow one of our veterans to remain unjustly incarcerated because of a missed highway exit,” continued Vargas. “I call upon the Department of State to continue to utilize the full extent of its resources to secure his safe and immediate release.”
Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District, which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire US/Mexico border. Vargas is currently serving his first term in Congress. He represented the 40th California State Senate District from 2010-2012, the 79th California State Assembly District from 2000 – 2006 and served on the San Diego City Council from 1993 – 2000.