Sioux City Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Sarah’s Law – introduced by U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) – passed out of the House Judiciary Committee and is on track to be considered by the full House of Representatives for a vote. The legislation aims to address the tragic incident involving 21-year-old Sarah Root, who was killed by an illegal immigrant in a drunk driving accident.

Rep. Randy Feenstra expressed his commitment to seeking justice for the Root family, stating, "As a father of four, I cannot fathom the pain that the Root family feels to this day. I have personally met with Sarah’s mother – Michelle Root – and promised her that I would do everything possible to deliver justice for her daughter and her family. Thankfully, we are now one step closer to ensuring this important legislation becomes law." Feenstra emphasized the significance of Sarah's Law in holding accountable illegal immigrants who cause harm to American citizens, asserting, "Sarah’s Law ensures that any illegal immigrant who seriously harms or kills an American citizen is swiftly detained and fully punished. We are a nation of laws and illegal immigrants who break our laws must answer for their crimes."

Senator Joni Ernst, who introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate, highlighted the necessity of Sarah's Law in preventing similar tragedies, stating, "Over eight years ago, 21-year-old Iowan Sarah Root was struck and killed by an illegal immigrant driving drunk. Instead of being held accountable or deported, her killer was released back into the country and still is at large. As we witness even more consequences of Biden’s intentional failure to secure the border, we must pass Sarah’s Law, so no other parent has to endure the pain and injustice of losing a child like the Root family did." Ernst affirmed her dedication to advancing the legislation in the Senate, emphasizing, "As this critical legislation takes an important step forward, I will continue to lead the charge in the Senate until this loophole is closed. Our laws should not prioritize illegal immigrants over the safety of Americans."

The full legislative text of Sarah's Law can be accessed for further review and consideration.