More Politicians Join In Support Of Border Patrol Agents Serving Prison Terms

Monica Balderrama-KFOX News Reporter

A bipartisan push to reduce the sentences of two former El Paso border patrol agents gains ground in Washington, but the president may not support it.

Letters to the president requesting to commute the sentences of former Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean have been a blessing for the affected families.

"It's really what we've been fighting for for almost a year," said Joe Loya, the father-in-law of Ramos.

On Thursday, Rep. Silvestre Reyes D-El Paso, joined the crusade in favor of the El Paso former agents who are serving time for shooting a Mexican drug smuggler. Even though Reyes had supported the agent's conviction, he now said the sentence is too harsh.

"Maybe he's realizing like everyone else who has been studying the case and looking at the transcript that these guys are innocent," said Loya.

Loya was present for the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing that examined whether the charges and the heavy sentences levied against the agents appropriate. Ramos and Compean were sentence in October to 11 and 12 years, respectively.

"This is the first time after over 125 drug bust that they had to use their weapons to defend themselves," said Loya.

Loya also said he's not surprised President George W. Bush is not supporting the agents.

"It's about time he did something right. This would be something right. Let these agents out of that segregation, a 6-by-12 cell where they spend 23 hours a day," said Loya.

Ramos and Compean have been in prison for more than six months. As KFOX reported, Ramos has been physically assaulted while serving his term in February.

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