Ciscomani Applauds Bipartisan House Passage of Bill to Crack Down on High-Speed Car Chases Along the Border 

 

The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act (H.R. 35), which is named in honor of a Border Patrol agent killed during a high-speed chase in 2022, makes failure to yield a federal crime and imposes a life sentence if anyone is killed during the apprehension. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) is leading a companion bill in the Senate. 

 

H.R. 35 passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support by a vote of 264 - 155.  

 

“In Cochise County, high-speed car chases by cartel members, human smugglers, and other bad actors jeopardize the safety of our Customs and Border Protection agents, local law enforcement officials, and residents alike,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “For far too long, these individuals have not faced federal consequences for their actions that often end in tragedy, as it did for Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez in 2022 and innocent bystanders along the border. This bill delivers a clear message to anyone who endangers our community that they will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. I thank House Republican leadership for bringing this bill to the floor so quickly and am glad that my House colleagues on both sides of the aisle understand the necessity of this legislation. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to quickly consider this legislation to bring it one step closer to President Trump signing this critical legislation into law.” 

 

“In December 2022, Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez Jr. tragically died in the line of duty while chasing down illegal aliens who were fleeing the scene of a crime. His ultimate sacrifice is a stark reminder of the dangers our brave law enforcement officers face every day to protect our borders. Today, the House passed the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act to hold illegal aliens accountable who commit a crime and intentionally evade federal officers while driving. It makes them inadmissible to, and removable from, our country and bars them from immigration relief, including asylum,” said Speaker Mike Johnson. “This bill delivers a strong message: those who cross our borders illegally and jeopardize the safety of our officers will face severe criminal and immigration penalties. Republicans will continue to take decisive action and echo President Trump’s leadership to deliver what is necessary to protect the American people and secure our borders.” 

 

“Under the Biden-Harris Administration, human smuggling became more lucrative than ever before, resulting in increased numbers of high-speed chases and endangered innocent Americans in border communities,” said House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan. “We applaud Rep. Ciscomani’s leadership in passing the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, which will make America safer by disincentivizing individuals, including smugglers and illegal aliens, from evading Border Patrol agents during high-speed chases.” 

 

“This bill sends a message to illegal aliens, drug traffickers, and smugglers. If you threaten American lives, you will face the full consequence of the law,” said Chairwoman Lisa McClain. “Republicans want to detain, deport, and prevent these criminals from threatening our communities. And it is unfortunate that 154 Democrats disagreed when they voted against a similar, common-sense bill in the last Congress. They voted against America’s security. But today, they have another chance to redeem themselves. For those that vote against this bill today – you can start calling the loved ones of fallen officers.” 

 

Supporting Organizations: This legislation is supported by the National Border Patrol Council, the National Sheriffs’ Association, the Western Sheriffs’ Association, the Cochise County Sheriff, the Cochise County Attorney, the City of Benson Police Department, the Sierra Vista Police Department, the Bisbee Police Department, the City of Tombstone Marshal, the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), Sierra Vista Mayor Clea McCaa, NumbersUSA, and the LIBRE Initiative. 

 

“I applaud Congressman Ciscomani for his leadership on this legislation to enhance our federal law enforcement’s ability to apprehend those who violate our rule of law and endanger our citizens,“ said Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels. “Our local governments should not be responsible for federal inaction. I am proud to be represented in Congress by a member who came to Cochise County, listened to our local concerns and is now fighting for policy solutions for us in Washington D.C.”.  

 

“In Sierra Vista, we have seen increased numbers of high-speed chases, endangering both our law enforcement and community members. I have found myself worrying about my family members’ safety in a way I never have before, because load car drivers have no regard for human life” said Sierra Vista Mayor Clea McCaa, “I am proud to support Rep. Ciscomani’s bill to make this a federal offense and applaud his leadership on this endeavor. We must punish bad actors, and this bill does just that.” 

 

“Our border communities are on the front lines of the border crisis. U.S. Border Patrol agents work tirelessly to support the security and safety of this country, and Latinos make up over 50% of all agents,” said Daniel Garza, President of the LIBRE Initiative. “Congressman Ciscomani is not only honoring our communities’ contributions but also providing our U.S. Border Patrol officers with the tools they need to carry out their critical work and ensure the safety and prosperity of all Americans. With sound legislative solutions, Congress can reform our immigration and border security laws in a way that benefits us all. The LIBRE Initiative is proud to support H.R. 35, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act.”  

 

Full text of the bill can be found here.  

 

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