East Central Texas News

The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 5585, also known as the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act. This legislation aims to provide law enforcement authorities with the necessary tools to prosecute and punish criminals who intentionally fail to yield to Border Patrol agents and law enforcement officials assisting the Border Patrol.

In a statement, Congressman Ellzey expressed his support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of protecting American citizens. He said, "The number one job of any government is the protection of her citizens. Right now, the federal government and this administration are failing. The House has done our job. It's time for the President to do his."

H.R. 5585 not only enables immigration authorities to punish individuals who endanger American communities by intentionally evading Border Patrol agents, but it also aligns with existing laws regarding inadmissibility and removability. Importantly, this legislation does not require a conviction, making it easier to hold accountable those who put lives at risk by evading law enforcement.

One of the key goals of this bill is to decrease the number of dangerous high-speed chases that occur when individuals attempt to evade Border Patrol. By providing law enforcement with the necessary tools to address this issue, H.R. 5585 aims to deter individuals from engaging in such risky behavior.

The passage of this legislation is a significant step towards ensuring the safety of both law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. It is now up to the President to take action and support this bill, which has received bipartisan support in the House.

For more information on the House's passage of H.R. 5585 – Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, you can visit Congressman Ellzey's official website [1].

[1] Ellzey.house.gov - House Passes H.R. 5585 – Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act - https://ellzey.house.gov/2024/1/house-passes-h-r-5585-agent-raul-gonzalez-officer-safety-act