Wilson Statement on Prosecution of Border Patrol Agents

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2007

CONTACT: Kim Olive
(202) 225-2452 (Office)
(202) 420-9493 (Cell)

Wilson Statement on Prosecution of Border Patrol Agents

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) today joined Congressman Ted Poe (TX-02) and House Republicans in calling for Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez to allow Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean to remain free on bond pending appeal. Wilson released the following statement:

“At a time when our borders are being assaulted by those seeking to illegally enter our country, the prosecution of these men directly undermines America’s ability to protect herself.

“Our border agents risk their lives daily to uphold our immigration laws and defend our borders. If the conviction of Ramos and Compean is an indication of how our government will repay them, we can be certain good men and women will soon flee the ranks of border patrol service.

“I urge Attorney General Gonzalez to allow these men to go free on bail while the appeals process is underway. We must stand with our nation’s heroes - not the criminals who disregard our laws.”

Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean were guarding the Mexican border near El Paso on February 17, 2005, when they intercepted a van carrying 743 pounds of marijuana. When the van’s driver attempted to escape into Mexico, the agents fired upon him.

Following this exchange, the Justice Department sent investigators into Mexico, tracked down the drug smuggler, and offered him immunity in exchange for his testimony against Ramos and Compean.

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