Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act (H.R. 35)
What is the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act (H.R. 35)?
The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing the safety of U.S. Border Patrol agents and associated law enforcement officers by establishing new federal criminal offenses related to vehicular evasion near U.S. borders.
Key Provisions:
- Criminalization of Vehicular Flight:
- The bill makes it a federal offense to operate a motor vehicle within 100 miles of the U.S. border while intentionally fleeing from a U.S. Border Patrol agent or a law enforcement officer assisting the Border Patrol.
- Mandatory Penalties:
- Offenders face criminal penalties, including mandatory minimum prison sentences if the evasion results in serious bodily injury or death.
- Immigration Consequences:
- Non-U.S. nationals convicted of or admitting to such offenses are rendered inadmissible, deportable, and ineligible for immigration relief, including asylum.
Context and Rationale:
- Safety Concerns: The bill is named in honor of Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez, who tragically lost his life during a high-speed pursuit along the border in 2022. The legislation seeks to address the dangers posed by individuals who evade law enforcement, thereby endangering officers and communities. Webster
- Legal Loophole: Currently, fleeing from Border Patrol agents is not classified as a federal offense, creating a gap that this bill aims to close by establishing clear penalties for such actions. Webster
In summary, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act seeks to enhance border security and protect law enforcement officers by criminalizing the act of fleeing from Border Patrol agents within a specified distance from U.S. borders, while also imposing strict penalties and immigration-related consequences for offenders.
What are the Pros of H.R. 35?
Pros:
- Enhanced Border Security and Officer Safety:
- The bill aims to protect U.S. Border Patrol agents and assisting law enforcement officers by criminalizing dangerous vehicular evasions, reducing high-speed chases that endanger both officers and the public.
- By imposing strict penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences for offenses resulting in serious injury or death, the bill seeks to deter individuals from fleeing law enforcement near the border.
- Closing Legal Loopholes:
- Under current law, fleeing from Border Patrol agents is not explicitly a federal offense. The bill closes this legal gap by clearly defining and criminalizing the act, ensuring consistent legal consequences.
- This provides law enforcement with a clear legal framework to prosecute offenders, enhancing the rule of law along U.S. borders.
- Public Safety and Community Protection:
- By targeting high-speed pursuits and reckless driving near border communities, the bill enhances public safety for residents living within 100 miles of the U.S. border.
- The legislation helps prevent accidents and fatalities resulting from dangerous evasions, protecting innocent bystanders and communities.
- Stronger Immigration Enforcement:
- The bill imposes strict immigration consequences for non-U.S. nationals convicted of these offenses, including inadmissibility, deportability, and ineligibility for immigration relief.
- Supporters argue that this strengthens immigration enforcement by removing individuals who engage in dangerous and criminal behavior near the border.
- Honoring Fallen Law Enforcement Officers:
- Named in honor of Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez, who lost his life during a high-speed pursuit, the bill serves as a tribute to law enforcement officers who risk their lives protecting U.S. borders.
- It reinforces the government’s commitment to ensuring officer safety and honoring their sacrifices.
How did Representative Julia Brownley Vote?
Representative Julia Brownley voted Nay on H.R. 35, the “Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act,” during the House vote on February 13, 2025. Clerk of the House
How would Jonathan Wagoner have Voted?
Jonathan Wagoner would have voted YEA on the “Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act” because:
- Supporting Law Enforcement’s Dangerous Job:
- Jonathan stands firmly with law enforcement officers who risk their lives daily to protect our communities and secure our borders. He recognizes the dangers faced by U.S. Border Patrol agents and other law enforcement officers, particularly during high-speed chases and vehicular evasions.
- By establishing new federal criminal offenses for fleeing from Border Patrol within 100 miles of the U.S. border, the bill enhances officer safety and ensures that those who endanger law enforcement face serious consequences.
- Honoring Fallen Officers and Preventing Tragedies:
- Named in honor of Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez, who lost his life during a high-speed pursuit, the bill is a tribute to law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
- Jonathan believes in honoring their bravery by enacting laws that prevent future tragedies and protect those who serve our country.
- Enhancing Border Security and Community Safety:
- Jonathan supports the bill’s strict penalties for fleeing from law enforcement, which deter criminal activity and enhance border security. He believes this sends a clear message that endangering law enforcement officers and communities will not be tolerated.
- By targeting dangerous evasions, the bill helps reduce cross-border crime, including human trafficking and drug smuggling, protecting Ventura County from criminal networks exploiting border vulnerabilities.
- Ensuring Accountability and Justice:
- Jonathan believes in holding individuals accountable for their actions, especially when they endanger the lives of law enforcement officers and innocent bystanders.
- The bill’s mandatory minimum sentences for offenses resulting in serious injury or death ensure that justice is served for those who harm or threaten law enforcement personnel.
Jonathan Wagoner would have voted YEA on the “Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act” to support the brave men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day. He believes it is essential to provide them with the legal protections and tools they need to perform their dangerous job safely and effectively.
How Would You Have Voted?
Every vote shapes the future of our community and our country. Whether it’s about public safety, education, healthcare, or economic growth, each decision impacts our lives in meaningful ways. How would you have voted? Your voice matters—let’s start the conversation!