Senator Joni Ernst pushes for ‘Sarah’s Law’ to detain illegal immigrants charged with homicide, aiming to close immigration loopholes.
At a Glance
- Sen. Joni Ernst reintroduces ‘Sarah’s Law’ to address immigration enforcement gaps
- The bill would require detention of illegal immigrants charged with killing or seriously injuring someone
- Named after Sarah Root, killed by an illegal immigrant who evaded detention
- Part of broader Republican efforts to reform immigration laws and enhance border security
- Gaining traction with some bipartisan support in the Senate
Ernst Advocates for Sarah’s Law
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is leading a charge to pass Sarah’s Law, a bill aimed at closing critical gaps in the immigration enforcement system. The proposed legislation would mandate the detention of illegal immigrants criminally charged with killing or seriously injuring another person. This push comes as part of a wider Republican strategy to address illegal immigration and border security issues, which have become central focuses in the Senate following recent elections.
The law is named after Sarah Root, a 21-year-old from Iowa who was tragically killed by an illegal immigrant driving drunk. Sarah’s alleged killer, Edwin Mejia, was able to post bond and subsequently flee, never facing justice for his actions. This case highlighted a significant loophole in federal law that Sarah’s Law aims to address.
We must pass my Sarah's Law and BE GONE Act to protect Americans from violent illegal aliens.
If illegal immigrants commit violent crimes, they need to be detained, prosecuted, convicted, and deported. https://t.co/rqYHOBVeIS
— Joni Ernst (@SenJoniErnst) November 12, 2024
Closing Legal Loopholes
Sarah’s Law would require federal law enforcement to detain illegal immigrants who are criminally charged with killing or seriously injuring another person. Additionally, the bill would mandate that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) take custody of individuals who are in the country illegally and charged with such crimes.
“Sarah Root had her entire life ahead of her before it was senselessly taken by someone who never should have been in this country,” Sen. Ernst said.
The proposed legislation also aims to improve communication between law enforcement and victims’ families. It would require ICE to inform victims and their families about the status of related investigations and the custody status of those charged with these serious crimes.
Part of Broader Immigration Reform Efforts
Sarah’s Law is part of a larger push by congressional Republicans to reform immigration laws and enhance border security. It complements other proposed legislation such as the Laken Riley Act, which allows for the detention of illegal immigrants committing theft-related crimes. The Laken Riley Act has already passed the House and cleared a Senate filibuster, indicating growing bipartisan support for stricter immigration enforcement measures.
“Whether it is Iowan Sarah Root or Laken Riley, too many innocent Americans have fallen victim to illegal immigrants in this country. The true tragedy of crimes committed by illegal immigrants is that every single one of them is preventable. My Sarah’s Law will build upon the Laken Riley Act and close another loophole to prevent another American life from being cut short,” said Ernst.
