Speech #1090183640

Speaker. I am on the floor tonight to bring to the attention of the House a situation involving two U.S. Border Patrol agents. Agent Ramos and Compean were found guilty in a Federal court for wounding a Mexican drug smuggler who brought 743 pounds of marijuana across our southern borders into Texas. These agents never should have been prosecuted for their actions last year. yet they have been sentenced to 11 and 12 years in Federal prison respectively. On January 17 of 2007. both agents will enter Federal prison unless action is taken to overturn their sentences. 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 agent. By attempting to apprehend an illegal alien drug smuggler. these agents were simply doing their job to protect the American people. These agents should have been commended for their actions. but instead the U.S. Attorneys Office prosecuted these agents and granted full immunity to the drug smuggler for his testimony against our agents. The drug smuggler received full medical care in El Paso. Texas. was permitted to return to Mexico. and is now 52. Pt. 17 22627 suing the Border Patrol for $5 million for violating his civil rights. Ladies and gentlemen of the House. he is not an American citizen. he is a criminal. On October 26. an article by Sara Carter of the Los Angeles News Group. quotes two of the drug smugglers family members who said. "He has been smuggling drugs since he was 14 years of age and would not move drugs unless he had a gun on him. and he has been bragging about the money he is going to get in a lawsuit every time we talk to him." While this habitual drug smuggler goes free. the families of the two El Paso Border Patrol agents have struggled to cope for almost 2 years with this unjust prosecution and conviction. On October 18. an article by Sara Carter. she describes the devastation that has fallen upon the Ramos family. stating. and I quote. "They have almost lost their home on several occasions. they no longer have medical insurance. and most of the money raised for them will go to attorneys when they appeal the case." I further quote. "Threats from associates of ... [the drug smuggler] have left the Ramoses fearful for their childrens safety. The El Paso Sheriffs Department has had deputies monitoring the Ramos family since the threats came by email and phone." The article reports. "Ramos first thought when the smuggler turned to him was of his wife and three young sons.