# Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act: What You Need to Know

This bill creates a new federal crime for intentionally fleeing from Border Patrol agents or other law enforcement officers while driving a car near the U.S. border. Specifically, it applies to anyone operating a vehicle within 100 miles of the U.S. border who deliberately tries to escape from a pursuing Border Patrol agent or from any federal, state, or local police officer who is working with or under the command of Border Patrol. The bill is named after Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez, who was killed during a pursuit in 2022.

The penalties for this offense vary depending on whether anyone gets hurt. If someone is convicted of simply fleeing, they face up to two years in prison and fines. If the chase results in serious bodily injury to anyone, the penalty jumps to between five and twenty years in prison. If someone dies as a result of the chase, the person can be sentenced to at least ten years in prison, up to life imprisonment. These are significant punishments designed to deter dangerous high-speed pursuits.

The bill also has immigration consequences. If someone is convicted of this crime, they become ineligible to enter the United States and can be deported if they're already here. Additionally, they lose eligibility for any immigration relief, including asylum. This means that even immigrants who might otherwise qualify for protection in the U.S. would be permanently barred from that protection if convicted of fleeing from law enforcement while driving. The bill requires the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to report annually to Congress on how many people are charged with or convicted under this new law.

Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act

Ciscomani, Juan

Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety ActThis bill establishes new federal criminal offenses for operating a motor vehicle within 100 miles of the U.S. border while fleeing from a U.S. Border Patrol agent or a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer who is actively assisting or under the command of the U.S. Border Patrol.The bill establishes criminal penalties for an offense, including a mandatory minimum prison term for an offense resulting in death or serious bodily injury. Additionally, a non-U.S. national who is convicted of or admits to committing an offense is inadmissible, deportable, and ineligible&nbsp;for immigration relief (including asylum).