Former Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean were officially fired Thursday when they were both sentenced to over 10 years in federal prison. Yet, both are free out on bond and are not expected to serve their sentences until mid Janurary.

Earlier Thursday afternoon many came out to support the two men, in fact the courtroom filled up b y noon leaving many to wait outside.

Texas Minute Men, held signs in protest of the conviction and Thursday's sentencing of the now former border patrol agents, Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean.

"They are our hero's who guard our borders and risk their lives everyday and they need to be set free," said Freddy Puckett, Tx Minute Men.

Ramos and Compean were sentenced Thursday to more than the 10 year mandatory statutory sentence, that the judge could not depart from. Ramos will have to serve 11 years and one month in federal prison, while Compean will have to serve a longer sentence of 12 years.

Tears streamed down the faces of many family and friends who were disappointed that a re-trial wasn't granted.

Yet, most were relieved that both men were able to walk out of the courthouse free on bond.

And while both men didn't show any emotion after the sentencing, Ramos told us he is happy to be able to spend more time with his family.

"That is all that I can be happy about at this time," said Ignacio Ramos

While Ramos stood along side his attorney, Compean, wouldn't talk, instead he walked with his family and pushed his wife, who is in a wheel chair, out of the courthouse.

"He hasn't spoken out prior to today because he is a private guy, he is a quiet man, but the family is devastated," said Chris Artcliff, attorney for Compean.

In a press conference an hour after the sentencing ended, the U.S. Attorney for the Western Texas District said he believes the jury and the judge did the right thing by holding these men accountable for their actions.

"Being a United States border patrol agent is not, a license to shoot people it is especially not a license to shoot unarmed suspects who are running away from you," said Johnny Sutton, U.S. Attorney for the Western Texas District.

Mary Stillinger, the attorney for Ramos, said she asked the judge Thursday for a re-trial motion and Compean's attorney joined that motion, yet it was denied by the judge.

Stillinger said the judge indicated that she will be issuing a written ruling later explaining why she wouldn't allow a retrial.

Both Ramos and Compean's attorney's said they will be filing a notice of appeal in the next few days. Yet, until the appeal is filed, both men are expected to start serving their sentences in Janurary.