Ernst’s Sarah’s Law Signed by President Trump

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) joined President Donald Trump at the White House for the signing of her Sarah’s Law.

The bill was included as an amendment to the Laken Riley Act to strengthen the legislation by requiring illegal immigrants who have committed violent crimes against Americans to be detained. 

Senator Ernst with Sarah Root’s father, Scott Root.

“Today is the culmination of a nine-year battle for justice for Sarah Root,” said Ernst. “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.”

Ernst’s bill honors Iowan Sarah Root, who was killed on January 31, 2016, the night of her college graduation, by an illegal immigrant driving drunk. Before her family could even lay her to rest, a loophole in the law allowed her killer to be released and escape justice for his crime.

Sarah’s father, Scott Root, also attended the signing ceremony at the White House.

Background:

For nine years since the tragedy, Senator Ernst has been working tirelessly to pass Sarah’s Law to bring closure to the Root family and ensure this never happens to again. This year, she shepherded the legislation through the Senate and the House.

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