The U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Juan Ciscomani’s legislation that imposes federal penalties on individuals who engage in high-speed car chases with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents or law enforcement officers assisting CBP within 100 miles of the border.
Congressman Hamadeh was proud to join his fellow Republicans in voting for @RepCiscomani's HR 35, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act.
This legislation is CRITICAL for our law enforcement agencies and communities along our southern border who have been threatened by… https://t.co/AqjV1S2XYy
— Office of Congressman Abe Hamadeh (@RepAbeHamadeh) February 13, 2025
The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act (H.R. 35), which is named in honor of a Border Patrol agent killed during a high-speed chase in 2022, makes failure to yield a federal crime and imposes a life sentence if anyone is killed during the apprehension. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) is leading a companion bill in the Senate.
H.R. 35 passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support by a vote of 264 – 155.
“In Cochise County, high-speed car chases by cartel members, human smugglers, and other bad actors jeopardize the safety of our Customs and Border Protection agents, local law enforcement officials, and residents alike,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “For far too long, these individuals have not faced federal consequences for their actions that often end in tragedy, as it did for Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez in 2022 and innocent bystanders along the border. This bill delivers a clear message to anyone who endangers our community that they will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. I thank House Republican leadership for bringing this bill to the floor so quickly and am glad that my House colleagues on both sides of the aisle understand the necessity of this legislation. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to quickly consider this legislation to bring it one step closer to President Trump signing this critical legislation into law.”
Woman Killed In Cochise County When Mesa Teen Runs Red Light Following High Speed Pursuit
“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 removable from, our country and bars them from immigration relief, including asylum,” said Speaker Mike 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.”
“In Sierra Vista, we have seen increased numbers of high-speed chases, endangering both our law enforcement and community members. I have found myself worrying about my family members’ safety in a way I never have before, because load car drivers have no regard for human life” said Sierra Vista Mayor Clea McCaa, “I am proud to support Rep. Ciscomani’s bill to make this a federal offense and applaud his leadership on this endeavor. We must punish bad actors, and this bill does just that.”
This a step in the right direction. So many of the pursuits are young adults from the Phoenix and Tucson metro area making a quick dollar running illegal immigrants and drugs. They should also seize the vehicle regardless of the ownership.
In Joebiden’s America, there were lots of tragic and unnecessary deaths.