Saturday night the families and friends of two convicted former border patrol agents came out to San Jacinto Plaza to support the men who are expected to go to federal prison on Wednesday.

They were convicted of shooting a drug smuggler and then trying to cover it up.

Agents Ramos and Compean were sentenced to 11 and 12 year prison terms respectively.

Dozens of people showed up to support Jose Compean and Ignacio Ramos in a special candlelight vigil. Many are upset about the men recently being sentenced to federal prison.

"The justice system not only failed these two men, these heroes, but it also failed the American people," said TJ Bonner, President of National Border Patrol Council.

Tonight the families of both of these men pleaded with the public to help them fight to have these men remain free on bond pending their appeal to be with their families.

"He's my son, but also a husband. He loves his family. They are inseparable," said Virginia Orwit, mother of Ignacio Ramos.

Family members at the vigil tell KFOX, Compean and Ramos have received hundreds of support letters, but both families said they are disappointed in Congressman Silvestre Reyes, a former border patrol agent, who they said will not support them or return their calls.

"He should at least have the common courtesy to return a phone call and that's the only thing I am really still upset at," said Jose Compean, convicted former Border Patrol agent.

"I think that Silvestre Reyes chickened out on everything, I think he is a flake and I think he turned his eye to more of a progress for himself," said Lalo Morales, cousin of Ignacio Ramos.

KFOX tried to contact Congressman Reyes about these issues, but his spokesperson did not return our call.