Press Releases

WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 35, The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act.

“In December 2022, Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez Jr. tragically died in the line of duty while chasing down illegal aliens who were fleeing the scene of a crime. His ultimate sacrifice is a stark reminder of the dangers our brave law enforcement officers face every day to protect our borders. Today, the House passed the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act to hold illegal aliens accountable who commit a crime and intentionally evade federal officers while driving. It makes them inadmissible to, and removeable from, our country and bars them from immigration relief, including asylum,” said Speaker Johnson. “This bill delivers a strong message: those who cross our borders illegally and jeopardize the safety of our officers will face severe criminal and immigration penalties. Republicans will continue to take decisive action and echo President Trump’s leadership to deliver what is necessary to protect the American people and secure our borders.”

Background:

On December 7, 2022, Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez, Jr. died in the line of duty after his ATV crashed while he pursued illegal aliens who were fleeing apprehension near Mission, Texas. This bill is named in honor of Agent Gonzalez who served his country for over a decade.

H.R. 35 will permanently prohibit any illegal alien who evades Border Patrol from ever obtaining any legal immigration status in the United States. Additionally, individuals involved in high-speed chases with Border Patrol agents and officers, or law enforcement assisting Border Patrol, would face significant federal criminal penalties. The bill also includes escalating penalties for situations where evading law enforcement leads to serious bodily injury or death, ensuring harsher consequences for those whose actions result in harm.

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