WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), both members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, have introduced the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act. The proposed legislation seeks to criminalize fleeing from law enforcement officers or Border Patrol agents while they are performing their duties.
The bill is named in honor of Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez, Jr., who died in the line of duty while pursuing a group of individuals near Mission, Texas. Under the proposed legislation, any non-citizen who flees from Border Patrol would be permanently barred from receiving legal immigration status in the United States.
Senator Britt emphasized the importance of protecting law enforcement officers who work along the border. “Our border patrol agents and law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every single day to protect our nation, and we owe it to them to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Britt. “This legislation honors Agent Gonzalez, who sacrificed his life to protect American citizens, and would help ensure this kind of tragedy does not happen to another agent or officer keeping our families and communities safe.”
Senator Cruz echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the bill’s intended deterrent effect. “This legislation honors the sacrifice of Agent Raul Gonzalez, Jr., who lost his life pursuing individuals evading capture. It sends a clear message that if you endanger American lives, you will face serious consequences,” Cruz stated. “This bill is a critical step toward protecting our communities and ensuring criminals can no longer exploit past failures.”
If passed, the legislation would impose penalties for fleeing law enforcement officers assisting Border Patrol. Individuals convicted under the act could face up to two years in prison, with penalties increasing to a sentencing range of five to 20 years if injuries occur during the pursuit. If a death results from the pursuit, the maximum sentence could be life in prison. Additionally, the Department of Justice would be required to report to Congress on prosecution rates under the proposed law.
A companion bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.) recently passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 264-155.
The introduction of this legislation follows other immigration-related measures supported by Senator Britt. Last month, the Laken Riley Act, which included provisions expanding penalties for assaults on law enforcement officers, was signed into law. Senator Britt described its passage as “an incredible first step toward making America safe again” and reiterated her commitment to border security and interior immigration enforcement.
The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act will now be reviewed by the Senate, where it is expected to be considered alongside other border security initiatives.
