This is indeed a sad spectacle, but like most congressional sad spectacles, it has its roots in popularity. Make no mistake about it, this is yet another sign that there is one emerging issue that terrifies the bejesus out of elected officials - immigration. Not just "illegal" immigration but immigration in general. Here in Texas there is a growing undercurrent of outright radicalism on the subject. Politicians are all too aware, and even those who disagree feel that any step "out of line", no matter how small, is to step right into an oncoming freight train.

Congress may not be able to come up with a substantial plan or rational over-arching policy on immigration. But oh how they can grandstand and meddle about. I'm afraid that this is just one of the first of what will be many such efforts by politicans (in all branches) to use the "immigration issue" to their favor.

well then pardon everyone who murdered in the name of "SECURITY" whats the difference? Theses individuals were convicted in a court of law, And I'm not talking scooter here. I'm talking out and out 1st degree murder. They recieved very easy sentences as it stood. PARDON -NO RECORD-_I don' t believe it--- commute ? quite possibly, but not pardon.

There was no murder involved. The suspect was wounded, and not all that seriously. The sentences were draconian given that reality (not to mention the fact that the guy they popped was a drug smuggler).

I like the way people imply that (suspected) drug smugglers should have fewer rights than anyone else. A poor Mexican mule who is fleeing to safety is is not a suicide bomber who has to be taken out by a bullet. Besides, if you're that fired up about eliminating the drug trafficking, you should support the agents' sentence. After all, by covering up the shooting, the CBP agents destroyed the link between the man and the drugs, obstructing any chance of prosecuting him.

They conspired to cover up the shooting, and when it came to light anyway, they refused to accept a plea. They gambled, and lost. The sentence is indeed harsh, but they could have avoided it by pleading. And law enforcement officers have a tremendous amount of power, especially at the border where they're effectively on their own. With tremendous power comes great responsibility and accountability.

Immigration. 43 YEARS this wrangle has been going on. More and more are looking at the government at best as a joke, at worst as our two party enemy, and in no way a government of the people, if that means including US!

Planetary Eulogy:

There was no murder involved. The suspect was wounded, and not all that seriously. The sentences were draconian given that reality (not to mention the fact that the guy they popped was a drug smuggler).

The reason the sentences are so harsh is because authoritarian, fascist conservatives insisted on removing the judges capacity to adjust the sentence to fit the crime. That is why we have these mandatory sentencing and "three strikes you're out" laws. We're being tough on crime!

Hurrah!!!