sr1011_As_introduced_LC_14_9814_2.html
08 LC 14 9814
Senate Resolution 1011
By: Senators Jackson of the 24th, Chapman of the 3rd, Goggans of the 7th, Murphy of the 27th, Balfour of the 9th and others

A RESOLUTION


Expressing gratitude and appreciation for the tireless and dangerous work done by the United States Border Patrol and urging the President and Congress of the United States to review the conviction and incarceration of former Border Patrol agents Ignacio "Nacho" Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the United States Border Patrol has 20 sectors responsible for detecting, interdicting, and apprehending those who attempt to illegally enter or smuggle people, including terrorists, or contraband, including weapons of mass destruction, across United States borders between official ports of entry; and

WHEREAS, the national safety and security, as well as those very principles upon which this nation was founded, are being threatened by dangerous, costly, and abusive actions resulting from illegal entries into the United States; and

WHEREAS, in response to these threats, more than 80 courageous Border Patrol agents have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty; and

WHEREAS, Border Patrol agents are the first line of defense against border violation and also possess the authority, training, and professional expertise to detect and apprehend illegal aliens in the United States interior who have successfully evaded apprehension in the immediate border area; and

WHEREAS, former Border Patrol agents Ignacio "Nacho" Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean are currently serving sentences of 11 and 12 years, respectively, in federal prison for the nonfatal shooting of Osbaldo Aldrete-Dávila who was in the country unlawfully and had fled in their presence from a van containing more than 700 pounds of marijuana; and

WHEREAS, the conviction and incarceration of Agents Ramos and Compean appear to represent a grave miscarriage of justice; and
WHEREAS, the President of the United States has the power of the presidential pardon and Congress likewise has the power to address this situation through legislation such as the 'Congressional Pardon for Border Patrol Agents Ramos and Compean Act' which has been introduced in the 110th Congress as HR 563.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that this body hereby expresses its gratitude and appreciation for the tireless and dangerous work done by the United States Border Patrol.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body does hereby urge the President and Congress of the United States to review the conviction and incarceration of former Border Patrol agents Ignacio "Nacho" Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean for the purpose of determining appropriate action that may be required to remedy a miscarriage of justice against these two gentlemen.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States and each member of the Georgia congressional delegation.