Sen. Ernst renews push for bill to end illegal immigration ‘loophole’ as Congress takes action

FIRST ON FOX: Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, is reintroducing legislation that would require federal authorities to detain illegal immigrants accused of killing someone, closing what she says is a “loophole” in federal law as The Senate moves forward in a series of bills that crack down on illegal immigration.

Ernst is reviving an effort to pass “Sarah’s Law.” Take the name Sarah Root21-year-old Iowa woman wrongfully killed by drunk driver in US. The suspect, Edwin Mejia, posted bail and eventually escaped facing court.

Fox previously reported that he had been charged with motor vehicle homicide in 2016, however posted bail and ICE did not file a detainer against him – a request that he be transferred to ICE custody when released.

SENATE TO JOIN REPUBLICANS TO ADVANCE LAKEN RILEY ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION BILL

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

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

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

LAKEN RILEY ACT PASSES HOUSE WITH 48 DEMS, ALL REPUBLICANS

Last week, a dozen Senate Democrats voted in favor the Laken Riley Act in full debate in the upper house. That bill, named after a Georgia nursing student killed last year by an illegal Venezuelan immigrant, would require ICE to detain illegal immigrants who commit theft-related crimes . It passed the House 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 single one of them is preventable. My Sarah’s Law will build on the Laken Riley Act and close another loophole to prevent another Northern life from being disrupted— American”.

Lawmakers are also introducing the SAVE Act, which aims to crack down on noncitizen voting in federal elections, in both chambers. The efforts come after illegal immigration and border security were key issues in the 2024 elections, which delivered a Republican House and Senate while returning President-elect Trump to the White House.

(Immigration and Customs File/File)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Other lawmakers are introducing legislation to reinstate it Policy to stay in Mexicowhich kept migrants in Mexico for the duration of their asylum hearings.

Liz Elkind of Fox News contributed to this report.