US government speaks out about jailed Marine

MIAMI (WSVN) -- The South Florida family of a former Marine jailed in Mexico is hoping for help from the U.S. Government.

Jon Hammar's parents continue to plead for his release since he got arrested in August.

The parents initially did not want to get the public involved, but they now feel it is the only way to save their son.

US Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen spoke out about her efforts. "It's putting a lot of social pressure on the Mexican government and the state department to get involved and bring this hero home," said Ros-Lehtinen. "The jails in Mexico where this particular hero is are run by the Zeta drug lords. They tried to exert money from the family. The guards have gotten word that this has gotten public, and you know he was concerned. You know they know about this."

Hammar was arrested for having his grandfather's gun which is legally registered in the US while crossing the border in an RV.

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