President George Bush, in one of his last acts of office, correctly commuted the sentences of two former Border Patrol agents who shot a Mexican drug dealer in 2005.

It was a conciliatory gesture that won't meet the wishes of both sides in the debate. But it was the right thing to do for agents Jose Compean and Ignacio Ramos.

The two El Paso guards were sentenced to more than 10 years for the shooting which they tried to cover up. The victim was an illegal immigrant who was transporting marijuana into the country.

The case has been a rallying cry for conservatives who believe the nation has grown too soft on illegal immigration. U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore, asked for the commutation and a pardon for the pair. They will be released from prison in March.

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