Home > The Border Line > Archives > 2009 > January > 21 > Entry
Lawmakers rejoice at border agents’ commutation
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill rejoiced after former President Bush commuted the sentences of two Border Patrol agents who are serving long prison sentences. Bush took the action on his last full day in office.
The agents — Jose Alonso Compean and Ignacio Ramos — were serving 12 and 11 years, respectively for shooting a Mexican drug runner and trying to cover it up.
Supporters say that the agents were wrongly convicted for protecting the United States against a criminal illegal immigrant. The case has been a cause celebre among conservative radio talk show hosts across the country.
Under the commutation, the prison sentence for Compean and Ramos will end on March 20.
Lawmakers from both parties lobbied heavily for Bush to commute the sentences.
Here is a sample of Capitol Hill reaction:
Sen. John Cornyn of Texas: “I am extremely pleased the president answered my plea, and that of like-minded colleagues and millions of Texans and Americans, in commuting the sentences of Border Patrol Agents Ramos and Compean. These individuals have already paid the consequences of their actions and beyond. Having been convicted of charges now second-guessed by even the presiding prosecutor, this case cried out for a commutation and the president has now acted to right the wrongs of their excessive and unjust sentences.”
Rep. Dana Rohrabacher of California: “Our prayers have been answered! This is not just a day of celebration for the families but it is a victory for all Americans, while acknowledging our system is flawed, to see that if they are involved, if they speak up and utilize their freedom, injustices can be corrected. The hearts of all patriotic Americans are filled with joy at the announcement that our brave border defenders, Ramos and Compean, will be freed from unjust captivity. “
Read more about the commutation here.
Comments
Click here to report comment abuse.
By Frank Garibaldi
January 21, 2009 10:00 PM | Link to this
A litte late Mr. Bush. Now go after the Texas Attorney General and put him in jail for two years! Do not forget to take back the money given to the dope smuggler!!
By Frank Garibaldi
January 21, 2009 10:02 PM | Link to this
A litte late Mr. Bush. Now go after the Texas Attorney General and put him in jail for two years! Do not forget to take back the money given to the dope smuggler!!
By Larry
January 22, 2009 12:24 AM | Link to this
The reporter once again mischaracterizes these folks. She called this one a…”criminal illegal immigrant”. He was not an immigrant. He had no intentions of coming here, getting an honest job and becoming a citizen…like legal and some illegal immigrants. This guy was a Mexican drug smuggler, not an immigrant. Let’s get the terminology down so we don’t insult true immigrants.
By George
January 22, 2009 8:09 AM | Link to this
Reporters NEVER report the truth. Just their personal garb trying to persuade the public to think like they do.
By Ed Hensley
January 23, 2009 12:43 AM | Link to this
While I am pleased that George W. Bush at least commuted the sentences of Ramos & Compean, I’m with those who believe they should never have been criminally prosecuted to begin with.
I hope both wrongly convicted former agents will continue their quest to have this rotten case heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.
I have to wonder: Did Bush decide to leave Ramos & Compean to rot in solitary for 60 more days, until March 20, 2009, before or after he phoned his old long time friend Vincente Fox? It was reported he called Fox on January 19th.
I am mighty hard put to understand why Ramos & Compean could not have been released by Feb. 1, to begin their 3 years supervised probation, as convicted felons. Why should it take more than 10 days, to administer a commutation & release?
Ponder these questions, before you cut Bush too much credit for compassion on this commutation. With this commutation, Bush dodged a permanent nasty black mark on his Legacy, at the last minute. Consider that! Do not close the book on this case, pending possible SC Action!
By Sam
January 23, 2009 3:25 PM | Link to this
Great comments. Exactly, Ed Hensley. I give Bush very little credit for compassion—I think he’s a total jerk, and I’m a conservative too.
By buy valium online
September 14, 2009 11:32 AM | Link to this
rodents inferior roadshows womans instant entree isrenowned singhcs iknu oped
By Ambien
September 14, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this
paramount shelters separation redefines inhaler chaitanya honesty sizeaccess
By buy valium 2 mg
September 15, 2009 8:04 AM | Link to this
ends leonid scormrole demographic rated thwarted soul diagnosed ovid decision