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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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8

Bush Commutes Sentences of Former US Border Agents

Pair was convicted of shooting drug dealer

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(AP) – In his final acts of clemency, President Bush today commuted the prison sentences of two former US Border Patrol agents whose convictions for shooting a Mexican drug dealer ignited fierce debate about illegal immigration. Bush's decision to commute the sentences of Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean, who tried to cover up the shooting, was welcomed by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

Democrats and Republicans argued that the agents were merely doing their jobs, defending the American border against criminals. They also maintained that the more than 10-year prison sentences the pair was given after the 2005 shooting were too harsh. Bush didn't pardon the men for their crimes, but decided instead to commute their prison sentences because he thought they were excessive and that they had already suffered the loss of their jobs, freedom, and reputations, a senior administration official said.

President Bush today commuted the sentences of two US Border Patrol agents convicted for shooting a Mexican drug dealer.
President Bush today commuted the sentences of two US Border Patrol agents convicted for shooting a Mexican drug dealer.   (AP Photo)
Monica Ramos, wife of Ignacio Ramos, sits behind attorney David Botsford on Capitol Hill in a 2007 hearing on the cases of Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean, Border Patrol agents convicted in a shooting.
Monica Ramos, wife of Ignacio Ramos, sits behind attorney David Botsford on Capitol Hill in a 2007 hearing on the cases of Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean, Border Patrol agents convicted in a shooting.   (AP Photo)
President George W. Bush, leaves the White House for Camp David, Md., Friday.
President George W. Bush, leaves the White House for Camp David, Md., Friday.   (AP Photo)
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Ryan
Jan 19, 09 7:24 PM CST
Not quite they are ruined now they deserved a full pardon. They can be home with their families now but they are still guilty of manslaughter.
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sache
Jan 19, 09 4:38 PM CST
This is a Bush decision i totally agree with. The downer, it puts me in agreement with Corona. I think i'm going to be ill. Reply
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riffran
Jan 19, 09 5:20 PM CST
I just wish he had done it sooner......A lot of hay was made over the fact that he was retreating back to Mexico when shot....but they conveniently forget the fact that he a lot of damn weed he ditched ....which was "coming to a playground near you....."....I still think the smuggler should have got it in the melon, instead of the pan Reply
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justme
Jan 19, 09 6:20 PM CST
Guys, this is too easy. We all agree. I just wish Bush had had the political courage to do it sooner. Reply
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Mad
Jan 19, 09 8:30 PM CST
The Mexican was running away from them, he was across the border and no threat and he was shot in the back. The only crime he was being pursued for was entering the country illegally which is illegal but not a felony, and not a misdemeanor, but merely an infraction, not unlike a parking ticket. Shooting infraction violators is just wrong! Kindly note also, their sentences were commuted only. They are still legally guilty of all they were charged with, just now they get to go home early Reply
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presidential pardon • commutation • Border Patrol • Ignacio Ramos • George W. Bush • Jose Compean

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