Sen. Cruz previously introduced the legislation in
2023.
On December 7, 2022, Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez, Jr. died in the line of duty after his ATV crashed while he pursued illegal aliens who were fleeing capture. Agent Gonzalez honorably served his country for over a decade.
The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act would permanently prohibit any illegal alien who flees from Border Patrol from ever receiving any legal immigration status in the United States. Additionally, any person who flees from Border Patrol, or law enforcement assisting Border Patrol, would face up to two years in prison. If someone is injured during pursuit, the sentencing range would increase to 5 to 20 years. Finally, if death results from the pursuit, the defendant could face up to life in prison.
The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act also requires the Department of Justice to report to Congress about how often they are prosecuting illegal aliens for violating the proposed Act.
Senator Cruz, Senator John Cornyn, and Congresswoman De La Cruz also introduced legislation to honor Agent Gonzalez by naming a post office after him in McAllen, Texas.
The National Border Patrol Council, which represents the men and women of Border Patrol, has endorsed the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act.