Cedar Rapids Today

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson has expressed her support for the recently passed Laken Riley Act, which includes Sarah's Law. The bipartisan bill was approved by the House with a vote of 263-156. It aims to ensure that criminal illegal aliens are immediately detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), closing existing loopholes.

Hinson stated, "I cosponsored Sarah's Law for the same reason I sponsored the Laken Riley Act. No illegal immigrant who commits a crime or harms an American should have the chance to commit another crime in America – let alone reside in our country." She criticized those who opposed the bill, saying, "While it’s despicable 156 Democrats voted to put criminal illegal immigrants first, I am so thankful we have a president who will always put Americans first."

The Laken Riley Act is named after a nursing student murdered by an illegal alien at the University of Georgia on February 22, 2024. The act proposes amendments to federal law requiring ICE to detain illegal aliens involved in theft-related crimes as defined by state and local laws. It also permits state attorneys general to sue the Secretary of Homeland Security if immigration policy failures harm their state or citizens.

Sarah's Law is named after Sarah Root from Council Bluffs, Iowa, who was killed by an illegal immigrant driving under the influence. A loophole allowed her killer, Edwin “Eswin” Mejia, to be released on bond and evade ICE detention. This law seeks to close that loophole.

Hinson concluded her statement with hopes for swift action: "Let’s get this bill to President Trump’s desk – for Laken, Sarah, and every family who has suffered at the hands of an illegal immigrant."