Washington DC – U.S. Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) commended the President's decision to commute the prison sentences of Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean.

"I commend President Bush for commuting the sentences of agents Ramos and Compean," said Congressman Hunter.  "This action represents an important step toward correcting this miscarriage of justice once and for all.  While the commutation of their sentences is certainly good news, these agents deserve nothing less than a full and complete pardon.

"Convicting agents Ramos and Compean on the testimony of a known drug dealer is equivalent to prosecuting a U.S. Marine on the word of a convicted terrorist who tried to take American lives on the battlefield.  Our border agents, like our Marines, deserve to know they have the full support and protection of their government.  The decision to commute Ramos and Compean's sentences will go a long way toward reaffirming our support for the men and women of the Border Patrol and their mission.

"Even though agents Ramos and Compean will be released from prison, their criminal records remain unchanged.  I urge the incoming Administration to immediately review this case and consider vacating their sentences altogether."

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