VIDEO: Ricketts Celebrates President Trump’s Signing of Laken Riley Act with Sarah’s Law
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE)celebrated President Trump’s signing of the Laken Riley Act, with Sarah’s Law included. Ricketts made the comments while on a conference call with Nebraska media.
“Today, President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law. This is landmark legislation,” Ricketts said. “It’s a turning point in our fight to secure our border and keep Americans safe. It’s the strongest immigration legislation signed into law in decades. It closes the dangerous loopholes that have allowed criminal illegal aliens to roam our country and hurt innocent Americans.”
Ricketts highlighted the inclusion of Sarah’s Law in the legislation. Sarah’s Law is named in honor of Sarah Root. In 2016, Sarah was killed in Omaha by a drunk driver illegal alien named Eswin Mejia. She was killed just hours after graduating from Bellevue University.Due to a loophole in federal law, Mejia posted bail, was released from jail, and was never held accountable for his crime. Sarah’s Law, named in honor of Sarah Root, eliminates that loophole.
“Sarah’s Law – originally introduced by Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa – requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement – or ICE – to detain illegal aliens criminally charged with killing or seriously injuring another person,” Ricketts continued. “It also requires that ICE must make reasonable efforts to notify victims’ families when they encounter a illegal alien covered by the law. Sarah’s Law puts the safety and security of Americans first.”
“Last November, Americans spoke loudly and clearly,” Ricketts closed. “They demanded change. They demanded border security. Thanks to President Trump and Senate Republicans, Americans are getting what they voted for. Sarah’s Law is now the law of the land.”
TRANSCRIPT:
Senator Ricketts: “Today, President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law.
“This is landmark legislation.
“It’s a turning point in our fight to secure our border and keep Americans safe.
“It’s the strongest immigration legislation signed into law in decades.
“It closes the dangerous loopholes that have allowed criminal illegal aliens to roam our country and hurt innocent Americans.
“The inclusion of Sarah’s Law is a crucial component of this legislation.
“Nine years ago, Sarah Root was killed in a car crash in Omaha by an illegal alien named Eswin Mejia (Meh-he-uh).
“Just hours before, Sarah had graduated from Bellevue University. She was 21 years old.
“She had her whole life ahead of her. She had her life taken from her by an illegal alien drunk driver.
“Her killer’s blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit.
“Due to a loophole in federal law, he posted bail, was released from jail, and was never seen again.
“He was never held accountable for the tragedy he caused.
“That’s wrong. It should have never happened.
“Sarah’s Law will end that loophole.
“Sarah’s Law – originally introduced by Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa – requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement – or ICE – to detain illegal aliens criminally charged with killing or seriously injuring another person.
“It also requires that ICE must make reasonable efforts to notify victims’ families when they encounter a illegal alien covered by the law.
“Sarah’s Law puts the safety and security of Americans first.
“For years, members of the Nebraska and Iowa delegations pushed for this law.
“For years, Senate Democrats blocked it.
“Last November, Americans spoke loudly and clearly.
“They demanded change. They demanded border security.
“Thanks to President Trump and Senate Republicans, Americans are getting what they voted for.
“Sarah’s Law is now the law of the land.
“The tragic stories of Laken Riley and Sarah Root are painful reminders of the consequences of failed open border policies.
“These women had bright futures ahead of them.
“Laken was a dedicated nursing student.
“Sarah was a recent college graduate.
“Both were taken from their loved ones far too soon.
“Both were killed by illegal aliens who should never have been allowed in our country.
“By passing the Laken Riley Act with Sarah’s Law included, we’ve taken action to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
“It will put Americans first and keep Americans safe.”