Tucson Standard

U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani has introduced a bill aimed at imposing federal penalties on individuals involved in high-speed car chases along the U.S. border. The legislation, named the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act (H.R. 35), is designed to address incidents involving inadmissible migrants, cartel members, and human smugglers who engage in dangerous pursuits with Customs and Border Protection agents or local law enforcement.

The act is named after a Border Patrol agent killed during such a chase in 2022. Under this legislation, failing to yield would become a federal crime, and if someone dies during an apprehension attempt, the responsible party could face life imprisonment.

"Every day, communities across my district experience high-speed car chases that endanger the lives of residents and frontline law enforcement officers and agents," stated Ciscomani. "Far too often, these chases end in tragedy, as it did for Agent Raul Gonzalez and countless others."

The proposed bill currently has 21 cosponsors and has received support from various law enforcement organizations including the National Border Patrol Council, National Sheriffs’ Association, Western Sheriffs’ Association, as well as several local police departments.

Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels expressed his support: "I applaud and thank Congressman Ciscomani for his initiative to enhance our federal law enforcement’s ability to apprehend those who violate our rule of law and endanger our citizens."

Paul Perez of the National Border Patrol Council added: "For decades, smugglers have brazenly used vehicles to flee from Border Patrol Agents because they knew there would usually be no penalties." He emphasized that if passed, this legislation would provide agents with another tool to enforce consequences on those breaking the law.

Local police chiefs also highlighted their support for the bill. Greg Volker from Benson noted its importance for maintaining safety in small towns with limited resources while Sierra Vista's Chris Hiser mentioned it empowers officials to hold offenders accountable amidst rising smuggling activities.

Cochise County Attorney Lori Zucco remarked on the increase in human smuggling cases: "Over the past several years our border county has seen a more than 30% increase...which has created an increasingly unsafe environment." She welcomed federal support through this legislative measure.

Sheriff Kieran Donahue of the National Sheriffs’ Association described it as providing an essential tool against rampant criminality at national borders by addressing dangerous vehicle pursuits that undermine law enforcement efforts.

The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act was part of discussions during previous congressional sessions where it passed with bipartisan backing.