Iowa Senators, Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley, have joined Nebraska Senators, Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse in introducing legislation that honors Sarah Root, an Iowan killed by a drunk driver who was an illegal immigrant. Sarah’s Law would require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to take custody of any individual in the country illegally who is charged with a crime that has resulted in the death or serious bodily injury of another. Sarah Root was only 21 years old and celebrating her graduation, when she was struck and killed by Edwin Mejia of Omaha. Mejia, who had entered the country illegally, recorded a blood alcohol level over three times the legal limit and was drag racing. Mejia was taken into custody, but posted bond and disappeared. Five months after the incident, he remains at-large. Sarah’s Law is meant to amend the mandatory detention provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act to require the federal government to take custody of anyone who entered the country illegally, violated the terms of their immigration status or had their visa revoked and is thereafter charged with the aforementioned crimes. The legislation will also require ICE to make reasonable efforts to identify and provide relevant information to the crime victims or their families.
