Jluy 29, 2008
By Sue Myrick
Border Agents (Still) Unjustly Punished:
In 2006, US Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean were sentenced to 11 and 12 years in federal prison for shooting an illegal alien drug smuggler who was transporting 743 pounds of marijuana into our country.
This week, the US Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit upheld the most serious and unjustified charge for these two agents. Ramos and Compean defended themselves with a firearm, and for that they could both spend a minimum of 10 years each in federal prison.
Why has our government turned its back on two men who put their lives on the line for our country? These agents were doing their job, and should be commended for what they did.
I have again joined my colleagues in sending a letter to President Bush asking him to commute the sentences of Ramos and Compean. Both have been imprisoned for almost two years, and the President needs to use his executive authority to correct this injustice.
Charlotte Gang Bust:
I hope you read the news recently about the successful arrest of over 26 members of the notorious MS-13 gang in Charlotte. This violent Salvadorian gang has been linked with numerous crimes and murders in Charlotte, and FBI officials were able to track down and arrest 26 in our area alone.
But here is what you did not read in the paper. Of this 26, 17 were illegal aliens!
I had to do my own research to find out this fact.
Why did our local media not report this fact?
Every time the media whitewash instances like this, they deny the opportunity to educate the general public on the severity of the illegal immigration crisis we face in this country.
Why do I have to do my own research to find out this information?
287g Program in Trouble?
For those of you who have followed my actions over the past several years, you know about my support for the 287g program the federal program that allows local sheriffs deputies to be cross-deputized to help enforce federal immigration laws.
Well, you should know that the program ran into a little bit of trouble when the House Appropriations Committee recently approved the FY 2009 Homeland Security Appropriations bill.
In that bill, the scope and mission of the 287g program is altered in a way that could lead to the gutting of its effectiveness.
Simply put, the bill specifies that in order to be deported, a person should be both an illegal alien and have been convicted of a dangerous crime.
First, why do they need to be both illegal and convicted of a dangerous crime? Why cant the mere fact of them being here illegally be grounds for deportation?
But more troubling is the fact that under the new bill, the definition of dangerous is not given. Rest assured that if this passes, DWI will not be considered dangerous.
During the first year of the 287g program being in place in Mecklenburg and Gaston Counties, over 900 illegals have been busted for DWI, and thanks to the program, they are deported after serving their terms.
Under this new bill, we have no guarantees that they wont be turned loose and back on our streets drinking and driving.
General Assembly Madness:
It isnt just the federal government that is making it difficult for us to control illegal immigration. The North Carolina State House just passed a bill that opts our state out of complying with the Real ID Act, the federal law that requires states to tighten up their guidelines for issuing drivers licenses.
I voted for the Real ID Act because it works to close loopholes that allow people to illegally enter our country. Even though the NC General Assembly adjourned without passing this bill into law, it is clear that the Assembly has taken steps to prevent tax dollars from being spent to comply with this federal regulation in the near future. This only increases the likelihood of illegal aliens receiving drivers licenses, and puts our citizens in danger.
I hope you find these updates helpful. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in Congress.
Sincerely,
Sue Myrick
