Number of Signatures: 8928

Petition To Free Deputy Hernandez

SPECIAL NOTE:  America's Most Wanted recently aired a feature on Deputy Hernandez. For details including video go here.

Background: On April 14, 2005, after stopping a vehicle with several illegal aliens hiding inside for a traffic violation, Edwards County Sheriff’s Deputy Gilmer Hernandez of Rocksprings, Texas fired shots at the tires as the driver tries to run him over in their attempt to flee the scene. One of the bullets strayed from its mark and injured one of the illegals. Texas Rangers, with the assistance of the ATF, conducted an immediate thorough investigation of the incident and later cleared the deputy of any wrongdoing which allowed him to continue his duties as a peace officer. Over a year later, after Deputy Hernandez marries and his wife is several months pregnant, the US Department of Justice reopens the case based on the conflicting testimony of the few illegals they were able find. The deputy was tried and convicted on December 1, 2006 for violation of civil rights.

In a speech delivered before the House on Jan. 10, 2007, Texas Congressman Ted Poe agressively defended the officer by stating “The U.S. Government rounds up six or seven of the illegals and, guess what, prosecutes Deputy Hernandez, claiming he recklessly discharged his firearm and uses the illegals as witnesses against the lawman during a trial." Rep. Poe further comments, "Mr. Speaker, another example of how the Federal Government is more concerned about people illegally invading America than it is about the men who protect America. Once again, our government is on the wrong side of the border war.” Additional resources: Rep. Ted Poe , WND .

Petition states: To: President George W. Bush,

As a citizen of the United States I am outraged to learn that Edwards County Sheriff’s Deputy Gilmer Hernandez has been convicted and imprisoned for doing his job of pursuing those who consciously break the law. I’m calling on you to officially pardon him for his actions.

I am also deeply troubled to discover that the illegal aliens (who attempted to run over the deputy with their vehicle), were tracked down by the US Department of Justice and granted immunity for their testimony against Deputy Hernandez.

This entire matter has been a travesty of justice and complete waste of taxpayer's money. I urge you to use your considerable authority and power to pardon this courageous officer and right this obvious wrong!

Sign the petition, then call Congressman Poe at 866-425-6565 (toll free) and tell him “Thank You” for speaking on behalf of Deputy Hernandez.

More Info: Tx Sheriff's Letter Of Imprisoned Deputy Gilmer Hernandez