Sen Ernst renews push for bill ending illegal immigration ‘loophole’ as Congress takes action

Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa, is reintroducing legislation known as “Sarah’s Law” that aims to close a loophole in federal law regarding illegal immigrants charged with serious crimes. The bill would require federal authorities to take into custody illegal immigrants who are arrested and charged with causing the death or serious injury of another individual.

The legislation is named after Sarah Root, a 21-year-old Iowa woman who was tragically killed by a drunken driver who was in the United States illegally. The suspect, Edwin Mejia, was charged with motor vehicle homicide in 2016 but was able to post bond and evade facing court due to the lack of a detainer filed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Senator Ernst’s push for the passage of Sarah’s Law comes at a time when illegal immigration has become a top priority for the Senate. Last week, a bipartisan group of Senate Democrats voted to advance the Laken Riley Act, another bill aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration. The bill, named after a Georgia nursing student killed by an illegal immigrant, would require ICE to detain individuals who commit theft-related crimes.

Ernst emphasized the preventable nature of crimes committed by illegal immigrants and the need to close loopholes to protect American lives. She stated, “Whether it is Iowan Sarah Root or Laken Riley, too many innocent Americans have fallen victim to illegal immigrants in this country.”

In addition to Sarah’s Law and the Laken Riley Act, lawmakers are also introducing the SAVE Act, which targets noncitizen voting in federal elections. These efforts reflect the heightened focus on illegal immigration and border security following the 2024 elections, which saw Republicans regain control of the House and Senate.

Furthermore, there are discussions about reinstating the Remain-in-Mexico policy, which required migrants to stay in Mexico while awaiting asylum hearings. These legislative initiatives underscore the ongoing efforts to address illegal immigration and enhance enforcement measures.

Fox News’ Liz Elkind contributed to this report.

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