FAIR Applauds Commuting of Sentences for Ramos and Compean

Washington DC, (January 19, 2009): Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) issued the following statement regarding former Border Patrol Agents Ramos and Compean:

“FAIR, and all Americans who value justice and the sacrifice of the men and women who protect our nation, are gratified by President Bush’s decision, on his final day in office, to commute the sentences of former Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean. Ramos and Compean were prosecuted, convicted and given 11 and 12-year sentences respectively for actions they took while confronting an illegal alien drug smuggler at the border in 2005. Americans across the country felt this case was unjust not only because of the severity of the sentences, but because the testimony of a self-admitted repeat drug runner prevailed over the testimony of two decorated Border Patrol officers who were carrying out their responsibilities and protecting their own lives.

“The people who serve this nation in the Border Patrol play a vital role in protecting the safety and security of the people of the United States. They serve under increasingly difficult circumstances and deserve the support of the American people and their government.

“FAIR deeply regrets the pain and suffering that they and their families have endured. We are delighted that their ordeal has come to an end, that justice has been served, and that they will soon be reunited with their families.”