Posted on 01/15/2007 10:42:39 AM PST by Mount Athos
"If it can happen to them, it can happen to any one of us. It has definitely had an adverse affect on agents involved in border security." -Mark Parsons, President, Fraternal Order of Police in El Paso, Texas, Customs and Border Protection agent
By now, everyone in North America, and especially certain Mexicans are familiar with the case of two former Border Patrol agents convicted of causing serious bodily injury, assault with a deadly weapon, discharge of a firearm and violating the civil rights of a drug smuggler and illegal alien at the U.S. - Mexican border. Absent of a successful appeal or a presidential pardon, former agents Jose Alonso Compean and Ignacio Ramos will begin serving their 10-year-plus sentences in federal court this Wednesday.
[...]
Mr. Parsons stated that the aggressive prosecution, replete irregularities pertaining to the arrest and trial of the two agents, including but not limited to venue issues, restriction of exculpatory testimony and evidence, government corruption and jury misconduct "has made a lot of agents on the front lines 'gun shy' and afraid to do their jobs." He added that "if this can happen to agents Compean and Ramos, it can happen to any one of us." It is also sending a strong message to illegal aliens, drug smugglers, and potential terrorists illegally crossing the border into the U.S. everyday. Those involved in illegal border activities see this as a victory for them, endangers the safety and welfare of the officers on the front lines and compromises the safety and security of every man, woman and child in the U.S.
"Morale? What morale? It is as bad as I have ever seen it," stated Mr. Parsons describing the mood of agents fighting the battle at the border.
(Excerpt) Read more at canadafreepress.com ...
Tell the whole story now. Some of the jurors did not want to convict and were crying about the verdict. This was NOT unanimous. I don't care about the ILLEGAL's rights, he was & is a criminal. This thread is about the guards last days & the impact it's having on the other guards. I'll ask you point blank: Do you think they should get 10 years and don't give me lawyer double speak, yes or no.
And I expect that issue to be taken up on appeal, if the defense attorney isn't blowing the standard "I lost my case in court so I'll continue it in the press" smoke.
I have read nothing that suggests the sentences were excessive, given the charges. Furthermore, I do not buy into the "we should condone felonious behavior on the part of some so that others will feel free to do their jobs" argument. In fact, I would ask you a point-blank question: are you willing to tolerate unlawful behavior so that others will feel more comfortable in engaging in it?
BTTT
A major clue that this smuggler is connected is the fact that SWAT team were sent in to make the arrests of those BP officers.
Spin all you want, but the above facts don't change.
Do you have a link to the information about a second load of marijuana? Nothing I've read mentions it.
My office would have much preferred to see Aldrete convicted and sent to prison for his crimes. We are in the business of putting guys like him in the penitentiary. We do it every day. But since the agents could not identify him, found no fingerprints, could not tie him to the van and did not apprehend him after shooting him, the case against Aldrete could not be proved. The agents' criminal behavior, lies and efforts to conceal their crime destroyed their credibility before any jury.Confronted with the willful and illegal use of deadly force by experienced Border Patrol agents, and insufficient evidence to prosecute the marijuana violation, prosecutors promised Aldrete they would not use his truthful statements and testimony to prosecute him. This type of use immunity is authorized by federal statute, and federal prosecutors around the country routinely make similar representations to obtain crucial testimony. As a practical matter, the promise to Aldrete gave up very little, but allowed us to investigate a serious crime of violence.
And the excuse for the second load?
America comes together
http://www.americanpatrol.com/
I'm leaning toward the notion that the "second load," is an internet myth.
Bumping the link.
I hope you are aware that you linked me to the same material that is at the top of this thread?
It is impossible to answer your question in a reasonable fashion, although I suppose if you are looking for a knee-jerk reaction then the answer is yes and no.
Maybe she's letting you know that there is a LOT MORE there, than the article from canadafreepress.com?
Just a thought....
Sort of like pointing at a haystack and saying, "there's the needle?"
Hey! Go look at the site....I didn't know it was even out there. There's even pictures in COLOR! :)
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