Sioux City Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, thanks to the support of U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull). This legislation is a tribute to Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez, Jr., who lost his life while pursuing a group of illegal immigrants in Texas. The Act aims to impose criminal and immigration penalties on individuals, specifically drug traffickers and illegal immigrants, who intentionally evade border patrol agents or other law enforcement officials while operating a motor vehicle within 100 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border.

According to Rep. Feenstra, "Drug traffickers and illegal immigrants who evade apprehension by border patrol on a high-speed chase must be held accountable for their crimes. I have zero tolerance for smugglers and illegal immigrants who threaten the safety of our brave law enforcement officials and the American people while actively breaking our nation's laws."

Under this legislation, convicted illegal immigrants involved in high-speed pursuits would face deportation and could potentially receive up to two years in prison. If the incident results in serious bodily injury to a border patrol agent or an American citizen, illegal immigrants could face a sentence ranging from five to twenty years in federal prison. In cases where the incident leads to the death of a border patrol agent or an American citizen, illegal immigrants would be subject to a minimum of ten years in prison, with the possibility of a life sentence.

Rep. Feenstra emphasized his commitment to supporting policies that secure the border, stand with law enforcement, and ensure the safety of families and communities. He stated, "That's why I voted for legislation to punish smugglers, illegal immigrants, and criminals to the fullest extent of the law who engage in high-speed pursuits that result in the death or serious injury of a border patrol agent or American citizen."

The full legislative text can be accessed [here](LINK).

These measures are part of ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by law enforcement officials along the U.S.-Mexico border. By holding accountable those who evade border patrol agents and cause harm, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act aims to deter illegal activities and protect both the brave men and women who serve in law enforcement and the American citizens they strive to safeguard.