Republican Sen. John Neely Kennedy of Louisiana.

Louisiana Sen. Kennedy, Iowa Sen. Ernst Intro ‘Sarah’s Law’ To Detain Violent Illegal Immigrants

Republican Sen. John Neely Kennedy of Louisiana.
Republican Sen. John Neely Kennedy of Louisiana.

U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), alongside Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), has introduced Sarah’s Law, legislation aimed at ensuring that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detains and removes illegal immigrants charged with killing or seriously injuring American citizens. The law is named in honor of Sarah Root, a 21-year-old Iowan tragically killed by an illegal immigrant in 2016.

“Because of unfettered illegal immigration, Sarah Root, Laken Riley, and other innocent Americans aren’t alive today,” said Senator Kennedy. “We need to pass Sarah’s Law to protect our communities from violent illegal immigrants.”

Key Provisions of Sarah’s Law:

  • Mandatory Detention: Requires ICE to take into custody illegal immigrants who are charged with killing or seriously injuring others.
  • Victim Support and Notification: Directs ICE to identify victims of violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants and notify their families of the perpetrator’s name, nationality, immigration status, criminal history, and custody status. The bill also mandates that ICE inform victims’ families about any efforts to deport the perpetrator.

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Sarah Root, a recent college graduate, was killed in 2016 by an illegal immigrant driving under the influence. Despite the severity of the crime, the perpetrator was released and has remained on the run for nearly nine years. The legislation seeks to close loopholes in federal law that allowed Root’s killer to evade justice.

“Sarah Root had her entire life ahead of her before it was senselessly taken by someone who never should have been in this country,” said Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). “Her family has been forced to endure a living nightmare without closure because a glaring loophole in the law has allowed her killer to remain on the run. For years, I have worked tirelessly to pass Sarah’s Law to honor her memory, hold illegal immigrants that cause bodily harm to our citizens accountable, and ensure this never happens again.”

Sarah’s Law has garnered strong support from Republican senators, including Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.), among others. The senators emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety of American citizens and ensuring justice for victims of violent crimes.

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The reintroduction of Sarah’s Law comes amid growing concerns about illegal immigration and violent crime. Advocates of the legislation argue that it would close critical gaps in the current immigration enforcement system and prevent future tragedies.

“Our laws should not prioritize illegal immigrants over the safety of Americans,” Ernst added. “This legislation is about justice, accountability, and ensuring that no family has to endure the same pain as Sarah Root’s.”

Sarah’s Law now moves to the Senate for consideration, where supporters hope it will gain bipartisan backing to strengthen the nation’s immigration laws and protect American communities.

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