WTAS: Local Officials Praise Ciscomani’s Bill to Stiffen Federal Penalties on Smugglers

TUCSON, Ariz. – Local Arizona officials are praising U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani’s (AZ-06) latest bill to stiffen federal penalties for smugglers involved in high-speed car chases with law enforcement. The proposed legislation would classify failure to yield as a felony and could lead to life sentences for smugglers if an officer is killed during such pursuits. You can find more information about the effort here.

Supporting groups include the National Border Patrol Council, Heritage Action, National Sheriffs’ Association, Western States Sheriffs’ Association, Arizona Fraternal Order of Police, Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Cochise County Attorney’s Office, Bisbee Police Department, Benson Police Department, and Sierra Vista Police Department.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: 

“I applaud and thank Congressman Ciscomani for his initiative 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, a member of the congressman’s Advisory Council.

“The Cochise County Attorney’s Office is continuing to work in partnership with local and federal partners to address the dangerous behaviors committed by human smuggling organizations along the southern border,” said Cochise County Attorney Brian McIntyre. “For far too long, there has been no federal consequence for fleeing from federal law enforcement along the border, further emboldening the actions of criminal organizations. CCAO is in complete support of this needed additional enforcement tool as we continue to seek a return to a safe and secure community for our residents. 

“The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, instituted by Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), not only has a far-reaching affect within 100 miles of the U.S.-Mexican Border but to every city, town and street in the USA,” saidBenson Police Chief Greg Volker. “I applaud Representative Ciscomani’s passion for justice and the safety of every community.”

“Over the last two years the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office has seen a 477% increase in vehicle pursuits involving human smuggling,” said Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb. “I know Border Patrol has faced the same issue, with no legal recourse to hold those fleeing accountable. I support the ‘Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act’ and commend Rep. Ciscomani for addressing these vehicle pursuits and for his efforts to hold those accountable who would put our citizens, local law enforcement and federal officers in danger. Please join us in supporting this bill so that our federal partners can have the necessary tools to help keep our streets safe.”

“This legislation is an integral part of addressing the growing trend of Transnational Criminal Organizations using social media in recruiting juveniles and others to smuggle Individuals who have entered this country illegally and fleeing from law enforcement with no regard for public safety and the citizens we serve,” said Yuma County Sheriff Leon Wilmot. “I applaud Congressman Ciscomani for introducing this effort to send a strong message to smugglers that their actions have serious consequences.”

“[This bill] is a much-needed piece of legislation to help curtail the incidents we, as law enforcement, witness every day that endanger the public,” said Bisbee Police Chief Timothy Cox. “We have seen countless high-speed chases in Bisbee and we applaud the congressman's efforts to make our communities safe and ensure that individuals who put us at risk are punished for breaking federal law.”

“Law enforcement officers in Arizona have dealt with the border crisis for far too long,” said Paul Sheldon,President of the Arizona Fraternal Order of Police.“Arizona FOP is proud to see legislation that has real teeth and can actually help make a dent in this problem. Law enforcement in the United States starts at the border and we need strong laws to be enforced to help stop the flow.”

“We would like to thank Congressman Ciscomani for introducing the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act,” said Brandon Judd, President of the National Border Patrol Council. “Agent Gonzalez died in the line of duty last year and this legislation is both direly needed and fitting tribute to his sacrifice.  This legislation makes it a crime to flee from Border Patrol Agents and local law enforcement that often assist us in vehicle pursuits.  The penalties range from up to two years for fleeing to life imprisonment if the pursuit results in a death. The bottom line is that we need to change the calculus for those who endanger all of us who live along the border when failing to yield to law enforcement.  This legislation does just that and the National Border Patrol Council is pleased to support it.”

The bill, titled the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, is named after a Border Patrol agent killed in a high-speed chase last year while pursuing a group of illegal immigrants in Texas.

The Arizona representative is joined on the effort by Reps. Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Byron Donalds (FL-19), Carlos Gimenez (FL-28), Clay Higgins (LA-03), and Nick Langworthy (NY-23). Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. You can find full bill text here.