South Lake Today

Washington, D.C. - Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, has voted in favor of H.R. 5585, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, a legislation that introduces federal penalties for evading or fleeing a U.S. Border Agent or law enforcement official who is assisting or under the command of U.S. Border Patrol.

"We must hold accountable those that flee from or endanger the lives of our Border Patrol, law enforcement officers, and communities," stated Rep. Webster. He emphasized that current federal law does not explicitly criminalize the act of evading Border Patrol agents or law enforcement officers assisting Border Patrol. This bill aims to rectify that by establishing criminal penalties for such behavior and empowering law enforcement officials who are grappling with the challenges caused by President Biden's policies.

The legislation is named after Raul Gonzalez, a Border Patrol agent who tragically lost his life while protecting our borders during a pursuit of a vehicle carrying illegal immigrants in Texas.

In addition to imposing criminal penalties, H.R. 5585 also renders these evading aliens inadmissible to and removable from the United States. It further bars criminal aliens from receiving immigration relief, including asylum.

The passing of this legislation marks a significant step towards ensuring the safety of our Border Patrol agents and law enforcement officials. By explicitly criminalizing the act of evading or fleeing, individuals who engage in such behavior will face the consequences of their actions.

Rep. Webster's support for the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act underscores his commitment to protecting our borders and communities.