Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 21, 2009

CONTACT: Leslie Shedd
(202) 225-5565

Lucas Applauds President Bush’s Decision to Commute Sentences of Former U.S. Border Agents

Washington, DC - Monday, President George W. Bush granted clemency to two former U.S. Border Patrol agents, Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean, who were convicted of shooting an admitted drug smuggler Osvaldo Aldrete Davila, injuring him.  The two agents were sentenced to 10 years in jail, a punishment many believed was much too harsh for their actions.  They have served about two years of their sentence.

“I applaud President Bush, in one of his last acts in office, for commuting the sentences of Border Patrol agents Ramos and Compean,” stated Lucas.  “Their sentences were unnecessarily harsh when compared with the charges against them.  This was the right thing to do.”

During the trial, the two agents argued they believed the drug smuggler was armed and dangerous and they shot at him in self-defense.  Mr. Davila fled the two agents after having abandoned a van filled with marijuana he was attempting to smuggle into the country.  The prosecution claimed the agents attempted to cover-up the shooting.

“Our Border Patrol agents risk their lives every day to keep this country safe from drug smugglers and criminals who attempt to cross our border,” stated Lucas.  “While proper oversight into their actions is necessary, we should not create an air of fear of prosecution for doing their job.”

During his eight years in office, President Bush granted 189 pardons and 11 commutations.  Before him, President Bill Clinton issued 457 pardons during his eight years in office.

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