The Textbook Definition of Travesty of Justice

Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean

Remember these names. These men were both decorated U.S. Border Patrol agents until March of last year, when they encountered a drug dealer and illegal immigrant, one Osvaldo Aldrete Davila, attempting to enter the country with over 800 pounds of drugs. Let me say that again, EIGHT HUNDRED POUNDS of drugs. When these agents caught up to this drug dealer in his van, Mr. Davila fled on foot and then attacked agent Compean when the agent finally chased him down. After breaking free from his struggle with Agent Compean, Mr. Davila ran toward a river, and then turned and pointed what Agent Campos believed to be a weapon in his direction. Agent Campos fired his service weapon, wounding Mr. Davila, and he was eventually taken into custody. Now, at this point, one might naturally conclude that Mr. Davila would be booked and prosecuted for attemtped illegal entry into the U.S. and possession of drugs valued at over $1 million in street value. (Disclaimer-- I personally happen to think the "War on Drugs" is a crock, a misnomer, and a waste of money, but for now this is the law of the land and thus should be enforced. --Ed.)

So what actually happens? Mr. Davila is given free medical care and immunity from any and all criminal charges in exchange for his testimony against the two Border Patrol agents who shot him in the line of duty. Mr. Campos and Mr. Compean were both arrested for assault and civil rights violations and are facing up to TWENTY YEARS in prison apiece for simply doing their job. After a trial that featured, at best, dubious and heavy-handed legal tactics by both the prosecutors and some of the agents' "colleagues", changing testimony from adverse witnesses and from the illegal immigrant felon himself, and multiple likely violations of the agents' rights of due process, the agents were convicted on all charges and are awaiting sentencing. And here's the kicker...the drug dealing, illegal immigrant felon, Mr. Davila, has now filed a $5 million dollar civil suit againt the U.S. and the Border Patrol, claiming his civil rights were violated.

I don't know what the hell is wrong with our government pulling a stunt like this...granting immunity to drug dealing felons, providing him with free medical care, and putting two U.S. citizens and Border Patrol agents in federal prison. At minimum, the drug dealer should be in prison, and he is fortunate, based on his actions, not to be dead (which he deserves). Frankly, he deserves that too. Ashamed, disgusted, infuriated...none of those words convey my feelings toward the government right now and the sorry state of affairs to which at least some of this country has deteriorated. Below are some links where you can read more if you can do it without an unhealthy spike in blood pressure. Write your congressmen, Governor Perry, the President, make phone calls, pray for them and their families...whatever you can to help these men, they desperately need it.

--At least the Border Patrol union chief is standing by his agents. They damn well should have a new and fair trial, and should be released on their own recognizance to paid administrative leave pending their trial.

--Here is a CA newspaper interview with Agent Ramos, just heartbreaking...as is this online plea.