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

“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. Attorney's 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 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.”