Feenstra

One year ago, when President Trump returned to the White House, the American people gave the federal government a mandate to restore law and order, and curb the uncontrolled flow of illegal immigration. The President vowed to prioritize the American people, bring criminals to justice, and strengthen public safety. This meant reversing Biden-era open border policies, that invited chaos and put unvetted illegal immigrants before the safety of the American people.

President Trump delivered on his promise. The first bill he signed into law was the Laken Riley Act, which included my bill, Sarah’s Law, that closed a dangerous loophole that for too long allowed any illegal immigrant who harmed or killed an American citizen to evade accountability. This milestone is especially meaningful for Iowans, specifically the Root family, who endured a decade without justice for their daughter, Sarah.

On Jan. 31, 2016, 21-year-old Sarah Root was driving home from her graduation from Bellevue University, a day of joy for her and her family, which turned to tragedy when an illegal immigrant, drunk driving at three times the legal limit, fatally slammed into her car. Instead of being held in jail, Sarah’s killer posted bail, and was released from custody. This was a failure in federal law that allowed a dangerous criminal to disappear without any consequences, leaving Sarah’s family without answers for ten years.

On March 21, 2025, Sarah’s killer was the first person ever extradited from Honduras for murder. He has been convicted of motor vehicle homicide and flight to avoid arrest, and, on February 3rd, sentenced to more than 20 years in prison. While nothing we can do will bring Sarah back, this sentencing delivers a measure of accountability that her family was denied for far too long.

Sarah was a loving daughter, a kind-hearted young woman, and a bright light in her community. She should be 31 today, building a career, starting a family, and creating memories with those she loved.

That is the core reason why Senator Joni Ernst and I fought to pass Sarah’s Law. Named in Sarah’s honor, this law requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal immigrants who are charged with killing or seriously injuring another person rather than allowing them to post bail. It also ensures transparency by requiring ICE to keep victims’ families informed, so no family is ever left in the dark again.

It has been an honor of mine to work with Sarah’s parents, Michelle and Scott Root, on this law and join her father in the White House as it received President Trump’s signature. The sentencing of Sarah’s killer reinforces the simple truth: we are a nation of laws, and if you break our laws, you will be brought to justice.

As a father of two girls myself, I cannot fathom the pain Michelle and Scott have endured these past ten years. Sarah’s Law stands as a promise, to them and every American family, that we will not ignore these tragedies, and we will act to prevent them. I remain committed to protecting our communities, enforcing our laws, and ensuring that no other family must endure the heartbreak the Root family knows all too well.

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Randy Feenstra, a Republican from Hull, represents Iowa’s Fourth District in the U.S. House.