Senator Ernst is again championing a bill to close a ‘loophole’ in the illegal immigration law while Congress takes action

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FIRST ON FOX: Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, is reintroducing legislation that would require federal authorities to detain illegal immigrants accused of murder, closing what she says is a “loophole” in federal law as The Senate is moving forward on numerous legislative proposals to combat illegal immigration.

Ernst revives the attempt to pass “Sarah’s Law”. She was named after Sarah RootA 21-year-old woman from Iowa who was illegally killed by a drunk driver in the US. The suspect, Edwin Mejia, posted bail and eventually escaped facing court.

Fox previously reported that he was charged with motor vehicle homicide in 2016, but he posted the bond and ICE has not initiated a detention against him – a request that he be transferred to ICE custody upon release.

SENATE DEMS TO JOIN REPUBLICANS IN ADVANCEMENT OF ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION BILL NAMED AFTER LAKEN RILEY

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa (Drew Angerer/Getty Images/File)

The bill would require ICE to detain illegal immigrants who are arrested and charged with causing the death or serious injury of another. It also requires that after meeting with illegal immigrant subject to mandatory detention, ICE must make reasonable efforts to identify victims and notify their families.

Ernst’s push to pass the bill comes at a time when illegal immigration has become a top priority in the Senate, and some Democrats appear open to legislation that increases ICE enforcement.

LAKEN RILEY ACT PASSES FABULOUS REP WITH 48 DEMS, ALL REPUBLICANS

Last week, a dozen Senate Democrats voted to advance Laken Riley Act until full discussion in the upper house. That bill, named after a Georgia nursing student who was killed by a Venezuelan illegal immigrant last year, would require ICE to detain illegal immigrants who commit theft-related crimes. It passed the House of Representatives with the support of all Republicans and 48 Democrats.

“Whether it’s Iowan Sarah Root or Laken Riley, too many innocent Americans have been victimized by illegal immigrants in this country,” Ernst said in a statement. “The real tragedy of the crimes committed by illegal immigrants is that every one of them is preventable. My Sarah’s Law will build on Laken Riley’s Law and close another loophole to prevent another American life from being cut short.”

Lawmakers are also introducing the SAVE Act, which aims to curb noncitizen voting in federal elections, in both chambers. The effort comes after illegal immigration and border security were key issues in the 2024 elections, which carried the Republican House and Senate and also returned President-elect Trump to the White House.