Sentencing of Drug Smuggler "Perfect Opportunity" for President to Intervene in Border Agent Case

Press Release

SENTENCING OF DRUG SMUGGLER "PERFECT OPPORTUNITY" FOR PRESIDENT TO INTERVENE IN BORDER AGENT CASE

U.S. Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) responded to the sentencing of Osvaldo Aldrete Davila, the drug smuggler whose testimony led to the convictions of Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean, by calling it a "perfect opportunity" for the President to pardon the agents or commute their sentences. Davila was sentenced today to two consecutive, 57 month terms in prison.

"The sentencing of Osvaldo Aldrete Davila offers the President yet another opportunity to do what is right and either pardon or commute the sentences of Agents Ramos and Compean," said Congressman Hunter. "These agents have spent almost two years in federal custody because of Davila's testimony. The fact that Davila continued to run drugs into the United States after receiving immunity from federal prosecutors, in exchange for taking the stand against the agents, calls into question his testimony. His sentencing discredits it altogether.

"Agents Ramos and Compean should be released immediately and returned to their families. They shouldn't have to serve one more day in custody."

NOTE: Hunter and several other Members of Congress recently sent a letter to President Bush requesting that he consider, at the very least, commuting the sentences of Agents Ramos and Compean to time served. Congressman Hunter also introduced H.R. 563 in the House of Representatives, legislation initiating a pardon for the agents. The bill currently has 104 cosponsors.

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