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A US marine imprisoned in Mexico for driving a vehicle loaded with firearms across the border has been released.

The family of retired Marine Sgt Andrew Tahmooressi expressed their "overwhelming and humbling feeling of relief" in a statement.

A judge in Tijuana ordered his immediate release on Friday, eight months after he was jailed.

The 26-year-old from Florida had said he got lost on a California motorway and accidentally crossed the border.

Mexican customs inspectors found more 400 rounds of ammunition and three loaded firearms in his car.

Family spokesman Jonathan Franks said the judge had released him without taking a view of the charge against him.

The family issued the following statement: "It is with an overwhelming and humbling feeling of relief that we confirm that Andrew was released today after spending 214 days in a Mexican jail."

Efforts to get him released took many forms - calls from politicians, demonstrations and a social media campaign.