Bush commutes sentences

Outgoing United States President George Bush has lessened the criminal penalty for two former border patrol agents convicted in 2006 of shooting an immigrant who was smuggling drugs at the time.



The prison sentences of Ignacio Ramos and Joe Compean will now end March 20.



Ramos had received an 11-year prison sentence while Compean had received 12 years.



According to a senior Bush administration official the president said the sentences were too harsh for the crime after reviewing the circumstances of the case and the conditions of confinement.



However the official says commuting the sentences does not diminish the seriousness of the crimes.



But he says the commutation gives Ramos and Copean an opportunity to return to their families and communities.