Rep. Crank Votes to Safeguard Law Enforcement from Illegal Aliens

WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Jeff Crank (CO-05) voted in favor of H.R. 35, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

H.R. 35 would impose stricter penalties for evading law enforcement near the border. In recent years, cartels and smugglers have turned to fleeing Customs and Border Protection Officials by high-speed chase, putting law enforcement and innocent bystanders in harm's way.

Under current law, federal criminal penalties do not exist for individuals who intentionally evade Border Patrol. H.R. 35 establishes a federal criminal penalty for individuals who intentionally evade Border Patrol agents or law enforcement officers assisting Border Patrol, with escalating penalties when such evasion results in serious bodily injury or death. In addition, this legislation makes aliens who evade Border Patrol inadmissible to and removable from the United States and bars them from receiving immigration relief, including asylum.

In response, Rep. Crank released the following statement:

"The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act will help ensure that American communities, Border Patrol, and law enforcement are protected from cartels and smugglers that choose to incite violence while bringing illegal aliens across our borders. I encourage its quick consideration in the U.S. Senate."

Background:

The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act:

• Establishes stricter punishment for individuals who intentionally evade Border Patrol.
• Enables expedited removal of aliens who evade law enforcement.
• Bars immigration relief, including asylum.

Read the full bill here.

###