HALLSVILLE, Texas — Texas State Rep. Jay Dean said U.S Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson has made a formal inquiry with the Mexican Embassy regarding an East Texas man who has been detained for more than nine months in Mexico.

The inquiry follows efforts by Texas lawmakers, including Dean and Sen. Cole Hefner, to facilitate the return of Caden Hawkins. Dean said Hawkins was detained by Mexican border officials in March when he mistakenly crossed the southern border with a legally registered firearm in his truck.

"In less than a week we have moved things along faster than the previous nine months!" Dean said on social media. "I cannot thank you enough for joining me in this effort to get Caden home - and I know his family is overwhelmed with gratitude as well." The full statement can

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