Torres Fights Against Taxpayer-Funded Perks for Narco- and Child- Traffickers in New Appropriations Amendment

Torres Fights Against Taxpayer-Funded Perks for Narco- and Child- Traffickers in New Appropriations Amendment

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, introduced an amendment in response to the outrageous perks provided to convicted narcotrafficker Juan Orlando Hernández after he was pardoned by Donald Trump, taking steps to ensure taxpayer dollars are not used to provide special treatment to convicted criminals. Offered during the markup of the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) Appropriations bill, the Torres amendment proposed banning the use of federal taxpayer dollars to provide "preferential treatment" to convicted narcotics and child traffickers.

The amendment responds to concerns that federal resources, including staff time, specialized transportation, and the lifting of immigration detainers, have been used to give high-level criminals preferential treatment or a "get out of jail free" experience. The prohibition would apply even if a convicted individual has received executive clemency or a pardon.

Between 2004 and 2022, Hernández and his co-conspirators trafficked more than 400 tons of U.S.-bound cocaine through Honduras. He was convicted by an American jury and sentenced to 45 years in prison before being pardoned by Donald Trump. Upon his pardon, Hernandez was given a waiver of his immigration detainer, which meant ICE would not take custody for deportation. He was also assigned a specialized tactical team of four, who were paid overtime to drive him 6 hours from federal prison to a luxury hotel in New York City.

The weakening of the rule of law in Honduras during the Hernández era has also been linked to mass migration pressures. A Congressional Research Service report notes that U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement recorded nearly 1.1 million apprehensions of Honduran nationals during this period, reflecting significant displacement and migration pressures.

"Our laws have to mean something. You don't get special treatment just because of political connections or an executive pardon, especially after being convicted for trafficking 400 tons of cocaine," said Congresswoman Torres. "I spent my career in public safety, and I know what it takes to bring traffickers to justice. Taxpayer dollars should not be used to give convicted criminals special accommodations, lifted legal holds, or government-funded transportation. We should be enforcing the law, not handing out favors. I'm shocked that my Republican colleagues didn't agree with that common sense idea."

As a champion for the rule of law and an advocate for anti-corruption efforts at home and abroad, Congresswoman Norma Torres continues to lead efforts to ensure federal agencies remain transparent and accountable to the American people.

The amendment was offered during the full committee markup of the FY27 CJS Appropriations Bill.

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