BERKELEY — One-hundred days into their imprisonment in Iran, the three Americans arrested on a hiking path that crossed the Iran-Iraq border released public statements through their families Sunday.

Shane Bauer, 27, Sarah Shourd, 31, and Josh Fattal, 27, all graduates of UC Berkeley, were detained July 31 during a hike that crossed into Iran. Iranian officials have said the entry into their country was illegal, while the Americans' families have characterized the trespass as an innocent mistake.

"For the people who gathered at the vigils, I want them to know that we can feel it," Bauer said in a statement released by his mother.

"I know you are fighting for me, and it makes me proud. I am hanging in there with you," Shourd said, according to her family.

The families' own joint statement, released at vigils held Sunday night across the Bay Area, said the hikers' supporters "bring light and love to the dark loneliness of their cells in Evin Prison."

Fattal's family said he wrote, "Thanks for all the wonderful letters. I spend a lot of time reading (them)."

The United States has no official diplomatic ties with Iran, so Swiss officials have been negotiating for the detainees' release with the Iranian government.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in an interview with the Associated Press in September that he could ask the judiciary to "take a look at the case with maximum leniency."

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Several journalist rights groups known as advocates for professionals in similar situations have declined to give extensive public comment on the issue, saying American media coverage can make negotiations more difficult.

To write a letter of support to be sent to the detained Americans, visit www.freethehikers.org.