Tucson Standard

U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani of Arizona has expressed approval following the House of Representatives' passage of a bill aimed at imposing federal penalties on individuals who engage in high-speed car chases with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents or assisting law enforcement officers within 100 miles of the border. The legislation, known as the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act (H.R. 35), is named after a Border Patrol agent who died during such a chase in 2022.

The bill, which passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 264-155, makes it a federal crime to fail to yield to law enforcement and imposes a life sentence if anyone is killed during the apprehension process. Senator Ted Cruz from Texas is sponsoring similar legislation in the Senate.

Congressman Ciscomani stated, "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." He further emphasized that those responsible for such actions would face accountability under this new legislation.

House Speaker Mike Johnson remarked on the importance of holding individuals accountable who commit crimes while evading federal officers: "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."

Jim Jordan, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, highlighted issues under current administration policies: "Under the Biden-Harris Administration, human smuggling became more lucrative than ever before." He commended Rep. Ciscomani's efforts in passing this legislation as an important step towards disincentivizing dangerous behaviors during high-speed pursuits.

Chairwoman Lisa McClain commented on partisan opposition faced by similar measures previously: "Republicans want to detain, deport, and prevent these criminals from threatening our communities."

The legislation has garnered support from numerous organizations including the National Border Patrol Council and various law enforcement bodies across affected regions. Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels expressed his approval for Congressman Ciscomani's leadership on this issue: "Our local governments should not be responsible for federal inaction."

Sierra Vista Mayor Clea McCaa also voiced concerns about rising numbers of high-speed chases endangering community members: "I am proud to support Rep. Ciscomani’s bill to make this a federal offense."

Daniel Garza from The LIBRE Initiative praised Congressman Ciscomani's work for both honoring community contributions and providing necessary tools for U.S. Border Patrol officers through legislative solutions like H.R. 35.