Today, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act passed the House. The legislation, co-led by Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), is named in honor of RGV Sector Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez and strengthens the punishment for evading law enforcement to a federal crime.
De La Cruz spoke on the House floor on this legislation. Watch her full floor remarks here.
"Thank you to my colleague for yielding.
I rise today in support of H.R. 35, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, which I am proud to have co-led alongside Congressman Ciscomani. Agent Raul Gonzalez was stationed in my community of McAllen, Texas and was dedicated to protecting the Rio Grande Valley Sector.
In 2022, he tragically lost his life while pursuing a car full of illegal immigrants. By passing this legislation, we can take critical steps to protect the safety of law enforcement officials and prevent this tragedy from happening again.
This bill will make failing to yield to border patrol agents or law enforcement a federal crime. Further, if anyone is killed during the apprehension, it could result in life in prison.
Criminals will think twice before engaging in dangerous and reckless behavior – like a high-speed chase from border patrol agents.
Law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. I am committed to protecting those who protect us and urge my colleagues to support this bill in honor of the life and service of a Texas hero – Agent Raul Gonzalez.
Thank you, and I yield back."
Background:
De La Cruz co-led H.R. 35, The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, with Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06). Agent Gonzalez was killed in 2022 while pursuing a car of illegal immigrants. At the time, Agent Gonzalez was stationed in the Rio Grande Valley Sector.
H.R. 35 will strengthen the punishment for failing to yield to border patrol or law enforcement, a federal crime. An illegal immigrant who violates this bill by evading Border Patrol or law enforcement would be subject to deportation. Additionally, the legislation will require the U.S. Attorney General to submit an annual report to Congress identifying the number of individuals charged and sentenced for these violations.
