Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA) today expressed relief at the President's announcement to commute the sentences of Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean. Today's announcement comes in the final days of the President's term, when it has become customary for him to grant clemency in criminal cases.
"Today, a gross miscarriage of justice has finally been righted. For far too long, these former border patrol agents faced harsher sentencing than convicted drug cartel operatives. I am thankful that after years of appeals by Members of Congress and public outcry, that common sense has prevailed," said Royce. Rep. Ed Royce has been a leader in bringing public attention to the plight of Ramos and Compean, and in recent weeks he personally spoke to President Bush on their behalf at the White House.
With today's announcement, Ramos and Compean, who have been incarcerated since January 2007, will be relieved of their 11 and 12 year sentences, respectively. Even U.S. Attorney Johnny Sutton, whose office prosecuted the border agents, has agreed that the sentencing was excessive.
"Without question, this case has demoralized our Border Patrol Agents, who put their lives on the line everyday to protect our country. I've seen first-hand the conditions these men and women face in pursuit of their mission. I am hopeful that today's announcement will restore our Border Patrol Agent's confidence in the justice system," added Royce.
In 2005, U.S. Border Patrol Agents Ramos and Compean pursued and wounded Osvaldo Aldrete-Davila, a Mexican national suspected of drug smuggling on the Arizona/Mexican border. Davila's van contained 743 pounds of marijuana - a street value of $1 million. Ramos and Compean received excessive prison sentences for discharging their weapons during the attempted apprehension, while Davila not only received immunity but also continued to smuggle drugs into our country while testifying.
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