January 19th, 2009 // comments (Comments)

Bush Rescues Ramos And Compean

WASHINGTON (AP) – In his final acts of clemency, President George W. Bush on Monday 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, who tried to cover up the shooting, 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.

Rancor over their convictions, sentencing and firings has simmered ever since the shooting occurred in 2005.

The pair will be released in March… Conservatives applaud…

White House releases statement…

Related:

• January 19, 2009 -- No Pardon For Scooter Libby
• December 23, 2008 -- Bush Pardons 19, Commutes Another
• December 10, 2009 -- BRING BACK BUSH?
• May 21, 2009 -- Cheney, Bush Enjoy Popularity Surge In New Poll
• February 25, 2009 -- The Mysterious Bush Unpaid Tab Scandal
• January 20, 2009 -- Change: WhiteHouse.Gov Revamped
• January 20, 2009 -- Inauguration Watch: Bush Booed
• January 20, 2009 -- Graph: Presidential Approval Ratings
• January 20, 2009 -- Inauguration Watch: The Meeting
• January 19, 2009 -- Inauguration Watch: Bush Out