As we near the 9th anniversary of a young Iowan’s death at the hands of an illegal immigrant driving drunk, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is continuing her push for Sarah’s Law to honor the memory of Sarah Root and close the loophole in federal law that allowed her killer to escape justice when he was released by federal law enforcement.
Ernst’s bill will work in tandem with the Laken Riley Act to close loopholes in federal law that have caused a regular occurrence of innocent Americans falling victim to crimes committed by illegal immigrants.
“Sarah Root had her entire life ahead of her before it was senselessly taken by someone who never should have been in this country,” said Ernst. “Her family has been forced to endure a living nightmare without closure because a glaring loophole in the law has allowed her killer to remain on the run for nearly nine years. For years, I have worked tirelessly to pass Sarah’s Law to honor her memory, hold illegal immigrants that cause bodily harm to our citizens accountable, and ensure this never happens again. I will not give up this fight for justice, because our laws should not prioritize illegal immigrants over the safety of Americans.”
“Our family is very grateful for Senator Ernst and her willingness to continue to push for Sarah’s Law. Senator Ernst continues to work tirelessly throughout the years to get this law passed. This law is to make sure no other family has to go through what our family has. We are coming up on 9 years since our beautiful Sarah was taken from us and there is no reason this law shouldn’t have passed within that time. Sarah’s killer is still on the run and if this law was in place when she was killed, we wouldn’t be looking for her killer today – he would be in custody and serving his time,” said Michelle Root, Sarah’s mother.
Joining Senator Ernst in introducing Sarah’s Law are Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), John Curtis (R-Utah), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and John Kennedy (R-La.).
“Nine years ago, Sarah Root’s young life was cut short by an illegal immigrant driving under the influence. The system failed Sarah, as her killer was released and never seen again after federal immigration authorities refused to detain him,” said Grassley. “Our bill, named in Sarah’s memory, would protect American citizens and ensure criminal illegal immigrants aren’t able to escape justice.”
“Almost nine years ago, 21-year-old Sarah Root was struck and killed by an illegal immigrant who was driving while drunk. Instead of answering for his crimes, the illegal immigrant posted bail, was released from jail, and fled our country never to be seen again. This egregious loophole in federal law must be closed so that victims like Sarah receive justice and criminals do the hard time they deserve,” said Rep. Feenstra. “Sarah’s Law ensures that any illegal immigrant who injures or kills an American citizen is swiftly detained and punished to the fullest extent of the law. In honor of Sarah, who was taken far too soon, we must restore law and order in our country to protect our families and communities.”
“Record numbers of criminal aliens were apprehended attempting to enter illegally under the Biden administration and shameful data show that there are now at least 13,376 aliens in the United States convicted of homicide. Congress has a responsibility to work with the Trump administration to ensure that criminal aliens are held accountable and American communities are protected – Sarah’s Law is key to accomplishing just that. FAIR applauds Senator Ernst for introducing this critical legislation and looks forward to it becoming law,” said Federation for American Immigration Reform Executive Director Julie Kirchner.
Sarah’s Law amends the mandatory detention provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act to require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal immigrants criminally charged with killing or seriously injuring another person. It also requires that upon encountering an illegal immigrant subject to mandatory detention, ICE must make reasonable efforts to identify victims and inform their families of certain information.
Click here to view the bill.
