DREIER STATEMENT ON BORDER PATROL AGENTS IGNACIO RAMOS AND JOSE COMPEAN

Congressman Dreier issued the following statement on Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean:

“I was shocked by the verdict in the Ramos/Compean case.  It raises serious concerns regarding the Border Patrol’s ability to effectively do their job.  The Border Patrol must have the capability to combat drug smugglers and apprehend illegal immigrants.  That is why I expressed my concern to House Judiciary Committee Chairman James Sensenbrenner and the Department of Justice.  I fully support Chairman Sensenbrenner’s plan to investigate the Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. 

The Congress must take action to ensure border patrol agents can do their job.  That is why I worked with my colleagues to pass the Secure Fence Act of 2006.  In addition to authorizing the construction of border fencing at five specific border zones where deaths are common, drug smuggling is rampant and illegal border crossings are numerous, the bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to provide all necessary authority to border personnel to disable fleeing vehicles.  This action was taken specifically to ensure that our border patrol agents effectively can stop drug smugglers.  The Secure Fence Act was approved by the House on September 14^th with bipartisan support, 283-138, with one member voting present.

I continue to stand with our Border Patrol and the men and women fighting on the front lines of our border.”

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