Ernst Statement on Justice for Sarah Root

OMAHA, Neb. – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement after the illegal immigrant who escaped punishment for murdering Iowan Sarah Root was finally sentenced to prison.

“Today, justice has been served for Sarah and for her family. For over a decade, the Root family has been forced to live without their daughter, but now her killer has faced the consequences of his crimes.

“My prayers are with her mother Michelle, her father Scott, and her brother Scotty who can finally have the closure they deserve.

“Today would not have been possible without the tireless work of President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, who were incredible partners in standing up for Sarah, whose life was taken too soon.

“While nothing can bring Sarah back, I’m honored to have led the way in ensuring this never happens again and that no other family is forced to endure what the Roots have been put through.”

Background:

For nearly a decade, Ernst advocated to bring Sarah’s killer to justice, told her story, and worked with the Trump administration to get closure for the Root family.

After the tragedy, Senator Ernst worked to pass Sarah’s Law to ensure this never happens again. After years of work, she shepherded the legislation through the Senate and the House.

One year ago, President Trump made this legislation the law of the land.

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