Walter B. Jones: “I am on the floor today to bring to the attention of the House a situation involving two U.S. Border Patrol agents.…”

“I am on the floor today to bring to the attention of the House a situation involving two U.S. Border Patrol agents. These agents were found guilty in a Federal Court for wounding a drug dealer, a smuggler, who brought 743 pounds of marijuana across our southern border into Texas. These 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. These agents should have been commended for their actions, but instead the U.S. Attorney's office prosecuted the 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 suing the Border Patrol for $5 million for violating his constitutional rights. He is not an American citizen. He is a criminal. Mr. Speaker, I have spoken to numerous people inside Texas and outside of Texas regarding this outrage, including the attorney for one of these agents. I have written the President of the United States asking him to please look into this matter.…”