Last week, Sarah’s Law, introduced by U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, passed out of the House Judiciary Committee and is on track to be considered by the full House of Representatives for a vote.
This legislation honors the memory of 21-year-old Sarah Root, a native of Council Bluffs, who was killed eight years ago by an illegal immigrant who was driving while drunk, nearly three times over the legal limit. However, because of a loophole in federal law, the illegal immigrant posted bail, was released from jail, and was never seen again.
Feenstra’s bill would ensure that illegal immigrants who seriously injure or kill American citizens are detained and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.
“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 said. “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.”
“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 said. “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.”
Read the text of the bill below:
Legislative-Text-Sarahs-Law-ANS
