EL PASO– Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-TX) released the following statement regarding the U.S. trucker who appears to have accidently crossed into Juárez last week with ammunition that was to be delivered to Phoenix, AZ:
"This week Mexican federal prosecutors stated they will press charges against Mr. Jabin Bogan for violation of provisions within Mexico's anti-gun laws. I have been in contact with Mexican Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan to see that this case proceeds justly through Mexico's legal system and to do what is possible to seek Mr. Bogan's release.
"We need to work with the Mexicans to develop a process to deal with individuals who inadvertently enter the bridge lanes and end up in Mexico. I have also spoken to Rep. David Dreier and Rep. Ed Pastor, who chair the US-Mexico Interparlimentary Group, requesting that they add this issue to the agenda for the next IPG meeting.
"This is yet another example of why we need to pass the PORTS Act. The PORTS Act provides funds to upgrade our infrastructure at the ports of entry, so we could provide a way for those who inadvertently enter the bridge lanes to turn around instead of forcing them to enter Mexico.
"As El Paso's representative in Congress, I will continue to do all that is within my capacity to help during this very difficult situation."