Arizona Congressman Reintroduces Bill to Penalize High-Speed Chases Near Border
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Arizona Congressman Reintroduces Bill to Penalize High-Speed Chases Near Border

“Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act” Targets Human Smugglers and Cartel Members with Federal Charges

PHOENIX — U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani of Arizona’s 6th Congressional District has reintroduced legislation aimed at penalizing high-speed car chases near the U.S.-Mexico border. The bill, known as the “Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act,” honors a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent who lost his life during a pursuit in 2022.

The proposed legislation has 21 co-sponsors and seeks to hold human smugglers, cartel members, and other perpetrators accountable with federal charges. If a high-speed chase results in death, the accused could face life imprisonment.

Addressing Border Challenges

“Every day, communities across my district experience high-speed car chases that endanger the lives of residents and frontline law enforcement officers,” Ciscomani said in a press release. “Far too often, these chases end in tragedy, as it did for Agent Raul Gonzalez and countless others. This legislation sends a clear message to anyone seeking to harm our communities: They will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

Paul Perez, president of the National Border Patrol Council, echoed these concerns, highlighting the harassment agents face from fleeing vehicles and the lack of significant consequences for offenders.

Specific Penalties

Under the bill, individuals attempting to flee law enforcement within 100 miles of the border could face federal charges, including:

  • Up to two years in prison for fleeing law enforcement.
  • Five to 20 years in prison for incidents involving injury.
  • Life imprisonment for cases resulting in death.

High-Speed Chases in Arizona

Cochise County, part of Arizona’s 6th District, has seen a 30% rise in high-speed chases linked to human smuggling in recent years, according to County Attorney Lori Zucco.

Zucco emphasized the strain on local law enforcement, stating, “It currently is not a federal offense to flee Border Patrol, leaving state and local agencies to shoulder the burden. This legislation would provide much-needed federal support.”

Legislative History and Prospects

The bill was initially introduced in 2023 and passed the House of Representatives in January 2024 with bipartisan support (271-154). However, it failed to advance in the Senate.

With border security being a high priority for the current congressional session, recently re-elected House Speaker Mike Johnson has signaled strong support for such measures, boosting confidence in the bill’s potential success.

Ciscomani, who secured a second term in November, continues to prioritize border security policies. As the first Mexican-born naturalized American to represent Arizona in Congress, he aims to bring federal resources to address the challenges facing border communities.