Press Releases

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) introduced legislation that stiffens federal penalties on illegal migrants who engage in high-speed car chases with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or local law enforcement assisting the federal government. 

Under this legislation, failure to yield would be a felony and if an officer is killed during the apprehension, smugglers could face life sentences. The bill, titled the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, is named after a Border Patrol agent killed in a high-speed chase last year while pursuing a group of illegal immigrants in Texas.

Reps. De La Cruz and Ciscomani, are joined by Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Byron Donalds (FL-19), Carlos Gimenez (FL-28), Clay Higgins (LA-03), and Nick Langworthy (NY-23). 

“Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez gave his life in pursuit of criminals on our southern border,” said Rep. De La Cruz. “This legislation honors the sacrifice of my district’s hero and stiffens penalties for individuals involved in a high-speed pursuit near our border. Cartels must know that crime doesn’t pay and the United States will hold responsible those who break our laws and hurt our citizens.”

“My district sees high-speed car chases coming through our communities every day, putting both the lives of Arizonans and Border Patrol agents in jeopardy,” said Rep. Ciscomani. “Agent Raul Gonzalez and too many others — including men and women in my own district — paid the ultimate price, and we cannot let their sacrifices be in vain. We must send a signal to any bad actors illegally coming through the southern border that their actions have dire consequences.”

“High-speed pursuits are on the rise in South and West Texas,” said Rep. Gonzales. “Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez was tragically killed while pursuing illegal immigrants in a high-speed chase at our southern border. High-speed chases continue to wreak havoc and disrupt the livelihoods of our communities. This legislation will increase penalties for bad actors that endanger our Border Patrol Agents and law enforcement officers who work tirelessly to keep Americans safe.”

A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas).

“One of the worst consequences of this border crisis is the threat to public safety,” said Sen. Cruz. “Traffickers are killing people by loading up a car or truck stacked with illegal immigrants and then engaging in high-speed chases with Border Patrol or local police. These high-speed chases often end in tragedy, with people being killed regularly after the traffickers crash and passengers are thrown across the highway. Equally tragic are those innocent Americans who are struck by an illegal alien fleeing police or Border Patrol. My bill is fittingly named in honor of Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez, Jr., who was killed in the line of duty on December 7, 2022, as he was pursuing a group of illegal aliens who were evading capture. My legislation will make traffickers think twice before engaging in a high-speed chase, since it includes serious jail time and prohibits anyone who runs from Border Patrol from ever obtaining legal status in the United States. My bill offers much-needed support to Border Patrol agents who are risking their lives daily serving an administration where the political leadership undermines them."