Congressman McCaul Applauds Freedom, Justice for Former Border Agents
January 19, 2009
AUSTIN, TX – Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX 10) applauded the executive order issued by the President Monday that commutes the prison sentences of two former U.S. Border Patrol agents. Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean have served two years of their 11 and 12 year sentences, respectively, for acting in the line of duty to protect the U.S. border in Fabens, TX, in 2005.
“Justice has finally been served and I look forward to seeing these men reunited with their families very soon,” said Rep. McCaul. “Texans and countless Americans who stood up for their freedom should feel proud of their tremendous efforts to convince the President to do what our system of justice would not – place the rights of those who defend our borders ahead of the rights of those who threaten us. This is a great morale booster for the Border Patrol. Today they heard from the highest office in the land that the nation that they defend will stand firmly behind them.”
Claims found in a Department of Homeland Security report, that Agents Ramos and Compean acted with malicious intent when they confronted a Mexican drug smuggler are to this date unsubstantiated.
Rep. McCaul has been at the forefront at the congressional level seeking to free the former agents. Last week he signed his fourth letter to the President urging their pardon or commutation of sentences. He additionally wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice demanding that it investigate the case. Congressman McCaul noted that even the U.S. Attorney’s office has acknowledged that the former agents’ punishments are too harsh.