Prosecuted for defending the U.S. against Mexican drug dealer
WASHINGTON (AP) -- In his final acts of clemency, now-former President George W. Bush commuted the prison sentences of two former U.S. Border Patrol agents whose convictions for shooting a Mexican drug dealer ignited fierce debate about illegal immigration.
Bush's decision to commute the sentences of Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean was welcomed by both Republican and Democratic members of Congress. They had long argued that the agents were merely doing their jobs, defending the American border against criminals.
They also maintained that the more than 10-year prison sentences the pair was given were too harsh.
Former Colorado Republican Rep. Tom Tancredo campaigned tirelessly for the men, and his successor, GOP Rep. Mike Coffman, hailed Bush's decision.
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