Speech #1090172340

Madam Speaker. the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol are often exposed to highrisk situations and dangerous environments while working on our southern border. Often working alone in remote areas and rugged landscapes. U.S. Border Patrol agents routinely encounter heavily armed human drug traffickers. Despite these dangerous conditions. the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol work tirelessly to protect our Nations borders. and they deserve the utmost praise for their dedication and bravery. Unfortunately. Madam Speaker. two U.S. Border Patrol agents who deserve our appreciation have instead become victims of a grave injustice. Agents Ramos and Compean were found guilty in a Federal court for wounding a drug smuggler who brought 743 pounds of marijuana across our southern borders into Texas. The agents now face up to 20 years in Federal prison. Agent Ramos served the Border Patrol for 9 years and was a former nominee for Border Patrol Agent of the Year. Agent Compean had 5 years of experience as a Border Patrol agent. These agents never should have been prosecuted for their actions last year. By attempting to apprehend a Mexican drug smuggler. these agents were simply doing their job to protect the American people.