Dreier, Colleagues Urge Bush To Consider Pardoning Border Patrol Agents

April 20, 2007

WASHINGTON, DC ‑ Congressman David Dreier (R‑San Dimas, CA), Rules Committee Ranking Republican, was joined by his colleagues Congressmen Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI), former Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and Lamar Smith (R-TX), current House Judiciary Committee Ranking Republican, in writing to President Bush to ask him to review the case of imprisoned Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean and, if appropriate, grant them pardons.

“Like you, we understand the vital role of our Border Patrol in protecting our nation from terrorism,” the letter states. “These brave men and women provide the frontline protection for our borders and are responsible for enforcing our laws. Given the ongoing controversy, we remain concerned with this case and its potential impact on the ability of the Border Patrol to perform its duties. We respectfully urge the Department of Homeland Security to review the protocols of engagement currently utilized by the United States Border Patrol to ensure that agents can effectively carry out their mission. It is our belief that nothing should be done to undermine the Border Patrol’s ability to protect the United States.

The letter continues, “We also recognize that Article 1 Section 2 of the Constitution states that only the President, ‘shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States.’ Knowing this, we respectfully request that you review the proceedings of this case and if appropriate, grant a pardon for former Agents Ramos and Compean.”

View letter to President Bush