San Antonio Corridor News

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) have collaborated to introduce legislation that aims to strengthen federal penalties for illegal migrants involved in high-speed car chases with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or local law enforcement. The bill, titled the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, seeks to crack down on dangerous pursuits near the southern border.

Under this proposed legislation, failure to yield during a high-speed chase would be considered a felony offense. Furthermore, if an officer is killed during the apprehension, smugglers could face life sentences. The bill is named after Border Patrol agent Raul Gonzalez, who lost his life in a high-speed chase last year while pursuing a group of illegal immigrants in Texas.

Joining Congresswoman De La Cruz and Congressman Ciscomani in this effort are Representatives Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Byron Donalds (FL-19), Carlos Gimenez (FL-28), Clay Higgins (LA-03), and Nick Langworthy (NY-23).

Highlighting the importance of the legislation, Congresswoman De La Cruz said, "Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez gave his life in pursuit of criminals on our southern border. This legislation honors the sacrifice of my district’s hero and stiffens penalties for individuals involved in a high-speed pursuit near our border. Cartels must know that crime doesn’t pay, and the United States will hold responsible those who break our laws and hurt our citizens."

Congressman Ciscomani echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need to address the dangers posed by high-speed car chases. He stated, "My district sees high-speed car chases coming through our communities every day, putting both the lives of Arizonans and Border Patrol agents in jeopardy. Agent Raul Gonzalez and too many others — including men and women in my own district — paid the ultimate price, and we cannot let their sacrifices be in vain. We must send a signal to any bad actors illegally coming through the southern border that their actions have dire consequences."

Also lending their support to the bill, Congressman Gonzales spoke about the rising instances of high-speed pursuits in South and West Texas. He remarked, "Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez was tragically killed while pursuing illegal immigrants in a high-speed chase at our southern border. High-speed chases continue to wreak havoc and disrupt the livelihoods of our communities. This legislation will increase penalties for bad actors that endanger our Border Patrol Agents and law enforcement officers who work tirelessly to keep Americans safe."

Additionally, a companion bill has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas). Senator Cruz highlighted the threat to public safety posed by traffickers engaging in high-speed chases with Border Patrol or local police. He stated, "One of the worst consequences of this border crisis is the threat to public safety. Traffickers are killing people by loading up a car or truck stacked with illegal immigrants and then engaging in high-speed chases with Border Patrol or local police. These high-speed chases often end in tragedy, with people being killed regularly after the traffickers crash and passengers are thrown across the highway."

Senator Cruz's bill, named in honor of Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez, Jr., proposes serious jail time for traffickers involved in high-speed chases and includes provisions that would prohibit anyone who runs from Border Patrol from obtaining legal status in the United States. He emphasized the need to support Border Patrol agents who risk their lives daily.

With the introduction of these bills in both the House and the Senate, lawmakers aim to deter dangerous high-speed pursuits and protect the lives of law enforcement officers and innocent Americans.

For more information on the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, please visit: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1234

For more information on Senator Cruz's companion bill, please visit: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/5678