Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean (KFOX-TV, El Paso, Texas)

The family of jailed former U.S. Border Patrol agent Jose Compean has released a statement confirming that he is in good condition and being held in isolation to protect him from other inmates in the prison facility where he's being held.

The statement comes through Andy Ramirez, of the Friends of The Border Patrol organization, which is advocating on behalf of Compean and Ignacio Ramos.

The two agents were charged, tried and convicted of shooting a fleeing drug smuggler in the buttocks. They were given sentences of 11 and 12 years in jail, while federal prosecutors granted the drug smuggler immunity to return to the United States and testify against the law enforcement officers. The circumstances of the case have outraged many concerned over the problems of illegal immigration and running drugs from Mexico into the United States. Dozens of members of Congress as well as several activist groups have called for the officers to be pardoned.

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Ramos also was attacked recently in the prison where he's being held, but is recovering from his injuries.

"Today, Patty Compean received a letter in El Paso, Texas, written on Feb. 8, 2007, by her husband Jose Compean. In the letter Jose informs the family that he is in good condition and currently in isolation and states the following, 'I think they decided to leave me here. I had to sign some paper saying that I would (stay) in protective custody because my case was high profile and also for my protection from other individuals. The paper also said it was national news because I've come out on Fox News and even the New York Times,'" the statement said.

"It is clear he is unaware of the assault on Ignacio Ramos, as he does not mention it in this specific letter. However, Patty disclosed it to him in a personal letter written to him after she learned of the assault Mr. Ramos received in his prison," the organization's announcement said.

Ramos also discusses what his days are like, and mentioned that since he arrived, "he's read half of the Bible," Ramirez' statement said.

The Compean family also released a statement expressing thanks to friends "for their support and prayers in these difficult and trying times."

"Knowing that we are not alone has made this ordeal a little easier for all of us. For those who wish to offer their support to our family, we ask that you send all correspondences, requests for interviews, and donations to us through Friends of the Border Patrol who has created a trust fund for our family," the family said.

They also requested that Jose Compean's prison location not be posted or disclosed. "While the Ramos family chose to post a direct contact address and telephone number online, we have not, and we ask that everyone respect our decision," the family said.

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