JONES URGES PRESIDENT TO INITIATE REVIEW OF CASE AGAINST U.S. BORDER PATROL AGENTS

Walter B. Jones ^ | August 21, 2006 | Walter B. Jones

[beaversmom]

Washington, D.C. – In a letter today to President George W. Bush, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) expressed deep concern over the Justice Department’s unacceptable prosecution of two U.S. Border Patrol agents for simply doing their jobs to protect our homeland.

“Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean should have been commended by our government for their actions last year in attempting to apprehend a Mexican drug smuggler who brought nearly 800 pounds of marijuana across our border,” Jones wrote. “But because of an incomprehensible prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office – including granting full immunity to the smuggler so he could testify against our agents – these men now face 20-year prison sentences for firing shots at the fleeing smuggler, who they believed carried a gun. The smuggler – who received complete medical care at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas – is now suing the Border Patrol for $5 million for violating his civil rights!”

“The Justice Department’s outrageous prosecution does nothing but tie the hands of our Border Patrol and prevent them from securing America against a flood of illegal immigrants, drugs, counterfeit goods and quite possibly, terrorists,” Jones continued. “This demoralizing prosecution puts the rights of illegal alien drug smugglers ahead of our homeland security and undermines the critical mission of better enforcing current immigration laws. These two agents should not be made scapegoats for our government’s enforcement failures.”

“I am pleased that the House Judiciary Committee has recognized the need for a thorough review of this case by calling for Congressional hearings and an investigation of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” Jones wrote. “In the meantime, I strongly urge your Administration and the Department of Justice to reopen the case against agents Ramos and Compean.”

“Mr. President, please assure the American people that those who commit crimes in our country will not be protected by the federal government,” Jones concluded.

For additional information or to schedule an interview with Congressman Walter B. Jones please contact Kathleen Joyce at (202) 225-3415.

[EternalHope]

Thanks for the ping!

[american spirit]

From what I understand the agents did not report the shooting to their superiors, which is obviously something that might deserve an admin. reprimand or something like that but not this nonsense. I do believe there's another curious element involved which is the assistance another BP agent by the name of ( I think) Sanchez gave the smuggler (boyhood friend) with medical and legal assistance which no doubt included an audience with the fedgov prosecutors who ended up giving the smuggler IMMUNITY!.

Lou Dobbs has been all over this issue and it's looking more and more as though the drug czars have so much power in that area that this action is being pursued to send a clear message to other BP agents to in effect.... "don't ask, don't tell".....

[CottonBall]

thanks for the ping.

These two agents should not be made scapegoats for our government’s enforcement failures.

Summed up precisely. I've heard one of the BP agents and their wife on the radio. They were very appreciative of all the letters, emails, and faxes of support they have been getting. I thought it was extremely considerate of them to mention it after the hell they've been through. They said they were feeling very isolated, alone, and abandoned - until the outpouring of concern and outrage from all across the country.

[Paperdoll]

>"Mr. President, please assure the American people that those who committ crimes in our country will not be protected by the Federal government." Jones concluded.<

Thank you for the ping. Any word that Mr. P. has responded to this letter? Unless something has been left out of the story, this is another nail in our coffin, and he has the hammer.

[Thunder90]

If it was Clinton, the two border agents would be facing life in prison without parole, and civil suits.

Also, the smugglers family would be allowed in and would be given $$$ and citizenship by the US.

[bigdcaldavis]

All that's missing from that pic of GWB in front of the Mexican flag is a 666 on GWB's forehead. GWB is nothing but an NWO sellout. Neo-cons are not true conservatives.

[The Spirit Of Allegiance]

Thanks for the ping. Infuriating travesty and perversion of justice.

'Woe unto them that call good evil, and evil good.'

[janetgreen]

I can't imagine a jury of American citizens actually voting to convict these two border patrol agents.

It's time for our Mexico-loving President to step up to the plate for America and make his voice heard. His silence has been deafening on border control matters, and Americans are beyond angry at him and his open borders cronies in the Senate and the House (and of course the Attorney General).

[NewRomeTacitus]

The relationship through marriage between the smuggler and two involved government agents must be investigated, and the circumstances leading to a jury convicting.

Is that jury anywhere near the standards of "peers" or did the DA run roughshod over the PD's preferences?

Was the judge somehow biased (political appointee or party hack)?

Did that judge allow suppression of information or evidence that would have led to a fair hearing - possibly even abusing their powers to insure the Prosecutor had an overwhelming advantage (like a jury made up of people possessing the barest grasp of English and a will to "stick it" to the Border Patrol)?

[janetgreen]

Very important questions that must be answered, NRT.

Congressman Jones' contact web address is:

http://jones.house.gov/html/contact.cfm

[NewRomeTacitus]

Thanks, but it really bugs me sometimes that the general population is so befuddled that they don't see these slaps to their intelligence when it's so obvious that they're being played for suckers. The danger here (IMO) is allowing a foothold in legal precedence allowing much greater abuse in the future.

These two good but overly-trusting agents must be saved lest the other dedicated Border Patrol regard the whole game as fixed and give in to the Mexican standard. That would mean 'Game Over' and render all enforcement a cruel and expensive joke.

[janetgreen]

I understand that there are many border patrol agents who are absolutely disgusted with the current Bush administration practice of what amounts to a revolving door at the border, rendering their efforts as useless.

Can't say I blame them. You're right, this incident unfortunately will set the standard for even more Mexican rule at the border, and it's obvious that this is exactly what Washington wants.

We have elected twice a president who is owned by corporate interests, is oblivious to what the American people want, and forces us to finance his destructive policies.

I voted for him once only, and will always regret that vote.

[kcvl]

The smuggler – who received complete medical care at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas – is now suing the Border Patrol for $5 million for violating his civil rights!”

What freaking 'civil rights'?!!!

[beaversmom]

He's got rights too you know. Pathetic, isn't it?

[beaversmom]

Note to self and others: GOPPachyderm would like to be on any ping lists about Border Patrol Agents Ramos and Compean.

[GOPPachyderm]

You indicate you regret your vote for GWB. So the alternative was preferable?

He's not perfect but thank God we don't have to say President Kerry - at least yet.

[janetgreen]

So the alternative was preferable?

No, I didn't vote for Kerry. The choice between Bush and Kerry was so putrid that I felt that I had no choice, and voted third party.

[GOPPachyderm]

Thanks for your reply. I'm sorry you don't share my admiration of President Bush. I feel he's done a pretty good job in most areas, although I want to see reparations to these two border patrol agents.

[krunkygirl]

bump for more eyes