Thread: NC Congressman Slams Justice Dept. for Prosecution of BP Age

http://www.theconservativevoice.com/article/17479.html

Action Alert
NC Congressman Slams Justice Dept. for Prosecution of Border Patrol Agents
August 21, 2006 06:54 PM EST

With nationwide outrage over the prosecution of two Border Patrol agents for performing their duty, Rep. Walter Jones, Republican from North Carolina's 3rd District added his voice by sending a letter to President George W. Bush expressing his own concern over the case.

“Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean should have been commended by our government for their actions last year in attempting to apprehend a Mexican drug smuggler who brought nearly 800 pounds of marijuana across our border,” Jones wrote.

“But because of an incomprehensible prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office -- including granting full immunity to the smuggler so he could testify against our agents -- these men now face 20-year prison sentences for firing shots at the fleeing smuggler, who they believed carried a gun. The smuggler -- who received complete medical care at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas -- is now suing the Border Patrol for $5 million for violating his civil rights!” Jone wrote.

“The Justice Department’s outrageous prosecution does nothing but tie the hands of our Border Patrol and prevent them from securing America against a flood of illegal immigrants, drugs, counterfeit goods and quite possibly, terrorists,” Jones continued. “This demoralizing prosecution puts the rights of illegal alien drug smugglers ahead of our homeland security and undermines the critical mission of better enforcing current immigration laws. These two agents should not be made scapegoats for our government’s enforcement failures.”

“I am pleased that the House Judiciary Committee has recognized the need for a thorough review of this case by calling for Congressional hearings and an investigation of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” Jones wrote. “In the meantime, I strongly urge your Administration and the Department of Justice to reopen the case against agents Ramos and Compean.”

“Mr. President, please assure the American people that those who commit crimes in our country will not be protected by the federal government,” Jones concluded.

For additional information or to schedule an interview with Congressman Walter B. Jones please contact Kathleen Joyce at (202) 225-3415.

(Jim Kouri, TCV Staff)

William should be happy... from your home state even I say this maybe a congressman to keep