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Try pushing the door closed while you press the release button? This has happen to me before.
The issue is usualy with the cable attetched to the latch actuator. It shears off at the actuator and leaves no way to open the hatch. You have to peal back the lower trim panel from the inside and cut open the water shedder and break the latch cable out. It is fairly simple. Parts are cheap. You'll need a lower tailgait latch and a water shedder.