Sioux City Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) and U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) are persisting in their efforts to pass Sarah's Law on the eighth anniversary of the tragic death of Sarah Root. The lawmakers are determined to address the issue amidst President Biden's unprecedented border crisis.

Sarah Root, a 21-year-old from Council Bluffs, Iowa, lost her life on the night of her college graduation in 2016. She was struck and killed by an illegal immigrant who was driving while under the influence, three times over the legal limit. Unfortunately, due to a loophole in federal law, the perpetrator was released from jail and has not been seen since.

Reflecting on the tragedy, Rep. Feenstra expressed, "Eight years ago today, Scott and Michelle Root received a phone call that is every parent's worst nightmare. Their 21-year-old daughter, Sarah, was killed in a car accident by an illegal immigrant who was driving while drunk. However, instead of being held in jail and prosecuted for his crimes, the illegal immigrant posted bail, was released from prison, and was never seen again." He added, "In memory of Sarah, I'm working with Senator Ernst to pass Sarah's Law so that illegal immigrants who seriously injure or kill American citizens are detained and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law – not released from jail without facing a jury. Our bill will make illegal immigrants answer for their crimes and deliver some semblance of justice for the Root family as we all continue to mourn Sarah's premature and tragic death."

Sen. Ernst also expressed her commitment to the cause, stating, "Sarah should be in her late twenties, enjoying life and chasing her dreams. Instead, eight years later, her loved ones are still mourning. No parent should have to endure the pain and injustice of losing a child like the Root family did. That's why, since 2016, I've been working to pass Sarah's Law." She emphasized, "Under this bill, Sarah's killer would have been detained by law enforcement and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. As we witness illegal immigrants pour into the country under Biden, this commonsense bill will ensure that those who murder or recklessly cause harm to others are held accountable. Our laws should not prioritize illegal immigrants over the safety of Americans."

Sarah's Law aims to amend the mandatory detention provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The proposed amendments would require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal immigrants who are criminally charged with killing or seriously injuring another person. Additionally, the bill includes a provision that mandates ICE to make reasonable efforts to identify victims and inform their families of certain information when encountering an illegal immigrant subject to mandatory detention.

The full text of the bill can be found [here](link to the bill).

As the fight to pass Sarah's Law continues, Rep. Feenstra and Sen. Ernst are determined to ensure that individuals who harm American citizens face the consequences of their actions. Their dedication to seeking justice for Sarah Root and protecting the safety of Americans remains steadfast.