Twisted Justice

Tomorrow, Border Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean head to prison for shooting a Mexican drug dealer they thought was armed. Unless they are pardoned, they will serve over a decade each.

In February of 2005, the agents pursued an illegal alien and drug-smuggler who abandoned a van filled with 800 pounds of marijuana and who they believed was armed. After being shot during the pursuit, the smuggler was returned to Mexico for treatment and then was offered immunity from prosecution if he testified against the two border agents. Not only was he offered immunity for illegal entry into the U.S. and unlawful flight, he was also given immunity for a subsequent offense when he was caught trying to sneak in another 1,000 pounds of marijuana.

The details of this case are an outrageous embarrassment to the American justice system and our so-called commitment to defending our border.

It is outrageous that a US Attorney would go down to Mexico and offer a drug dealer immunity in hopes of implicating two U.S. agents, one of which was a nominee for Border Patrol Agent of the Year. The illegal smuggler that twice crossed our border with illegal drugs in tow is free, courtesy of the U.S. government, while the agents who sought to defend America’s sovereignty are headed to prison for a very long time.

It is imperative that we show those who are willing to defend America’s sovereignty that we stand with them. When the Administration supports Mexican drug dealers over our own officers, America loses. The Administration needs to rectify this embarrassing situation and issue an immediate pardon for these two agents.