Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13th) today issued a statement regarding the President’s decision on Monday to commute the sentences of two former border patrol agents, Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean.  The two had been sentenced to 11 and 12 years in jail, respectively, for procedural violations related to their pursuit across the border and non-fatal shooting of an illegal alien drug smuggler.  The smuggler was subsequently given amnesty for his testimony against the agents then later caught again and convicted of new drug-related offenses.  
        
           “Commuting the sentences of these two border agents was the right call.  Agents Ramos and Compean have already served significant time, and their continued incarceration sent the wrong message to the men and women working to defend our borders.  Our border agents shouldn’t have to fear being subject to questionable prosecution and excessive punishments while the drug smugglers they work to stop are given protection; that’s not justice.  I’m pleased to know that Agents Ramos and Compean will soon be free to return to their homes and families.”
 
           Editor’s note: On December 6, 2006, Biggert joined 52 other Members of the House in sending a letter to President Bush requesting that he commute the sentences of Agents Ramos and Compean.  With the President’s action Monday, the sentences of the two agents are scheduled to expire on March 20, 2009.

###