Ernst, Feenstra sponsored “Sarah’s Law” signed by President Trump
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(ABC 6 News) – A new immigration backed by Iowa Senator Joni Ernst and Rep. Randy Feenstra was signed by President Donald Trump on Wednesday.
According to congress.gov, the bill was first introduced in 2023 by Iowa Representative Randy Feenstra.
The bill is called “Sarah’s Law,’ and it requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain any non-U.S. national who is in the country illegally, and has been charged with a crime that resulted in the death or serious physical harm of another person.
The bill was included as an amendment to the Laken Riley Act, which was also signed by President Trump on Wednesday, in an effort to strengthen the legislation by requiring illegal immigrants convicted of violent crimes to be detained.
Iowa GOP Chairmen Jeff Kaufmann released the following statement after President Trump signed the bill into law:
“Senator Ernst once again delivered for Iowans in a major way by getting Sarah’s Law across the finish line and onto President Trump’s desk. Nearly nine years ago, an illegal alien tragically killed [21]-year-old Council Bluffs native Sarah Root while recklessly driving drunk. Unbelievably, because of a loophole in our justice system, he was allowed to post bail and flee the country, avoiding legal judgement and denying a grieving family justice. Thanks to Joni Ernst and all of her work, violent illegal alien offenders will no longer have the freedom to commit acts of violence with impunity in the United States of America.”
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Regarding Rep. Feenstra’s efforts to get the law passed, Kaufmann released this statement:
“Since he was first elected to Congress, Rep. Feenstra has introduced Sarah’s Law to deliver justice for the Root family and hold dangerous illegal immigrants accountable. With President Trump’s signature, illegal immigrants who harm or kill American citizens will now be detained and punished for their crimes. I appreciate Rep. Feenstra’s leadership to keep our families and communities safe from criminal illegal immigrants.”
Ernst also issued a statement that said:
“Today is the culmination of a nine-year battle for justice for Sarah Root. Finally, after years of working on this bill and under the leadership of President Trump, our nation’s laws will no longer prioritize illegal immigrants over Americans. I will never stop fighting for Iowans and putting their safety first to ensure that no family has to endure the pain that the Roots were forced to.”
Feenstra also attended the signing ceremon with Scott Root, Sarah’s father and issued this statement:
“I’m thrilled that President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, which includes my legislation — Sarah’s Law. With his signature, President Trump has prioritized Americans over criminal illegal immigrants and delivered justice for Sarah Root and her family. Illegal immigrants who harm or kill American citizens will now answer for their crimes and do the hard time that they deserve. Because of our advocacy, lives will be saved and our country will be safer and more secure.”