Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump shares the stage with the family of Sarah Root at Joni's Roast and Ride at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, in Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016. Second left is Sarah's mother, Michelle Root, brother Scott Root, and father Scott Bernhardt. Sarah Root was killed earlier this year after her car was hit by another. The driver, who was drunk, was a reportedly Honduran immigrant living in the country illegally. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Nine years ago, on Jan. 31, 2016, tragedy struck the Root family. 21-year-old Sarah Root, who was driving home to celebrate with her family and friends after graduating from Bellevue University in Nebraska, was hit and killed by an egregiously drunk driver. Instead of answering for his crimes, Edwin Mejia–an illegal immigrant driving three times over the legal limit–posted bail, fled our country, and was not seen from again.

Until recently, the Root family had been left without closure. However, on Feb. 27, Honduran law enforcement officials found and arrested the driver — Edwin Mejia — near the Honduran capital city. The Honduran Supreme Court issued a warrant for his arrest and officials are arranging for his extradition to the United States to face consequences for his crimes. This comes as South and Central American governments are feeling increased pressure from President Trump to bring justice to the victims of illegal migrant crime.

I am glad to hear of the willingness of the Honduran government to work with the new initiatives of the Trump administration. The previous Executive — and his inept border czar — were unwilling to provide Americans with even a hint of security. Fortunately, under President Trump’s leadership, we are prioritizing secure borders and safe communities – a major course correction from the Biden administration’s open-border policies.

After years of advocacy, Senator Ernst and I were able to have Sarah’s Law — named in the honor of Sarah Root — included in the Laken Riley Act, which was the first legislation signed into law by President Trump. On Jan. 29, I had Sarah’s father — Scott Root — as my special guest to the White House to witness this signing. While there, we spoke to our new Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, and Vice President Vance. We thanked them for working to ensure tragedies like this can be prevented and that the fullest extent of the law will be levied against future perpetrators. We also emphasized the importance of tracking down and prosecuting the illegal immigrant who murdered Sarah. With Mejia’s capture, we are thankfully one step closer to delivering justice for Sarah and her family.

While these recent developments are great news, the need for the Laken Riley Act — strengthened by Sarah’s Law — is vital. It is imperative that any illegal immigrant who injures or kills an American citizen is swiftly detained and punished to the fullest extent of the law. In honor of Sarah, who was taken far too soon, we must restore law and order in our country to protect our families and communities. We cannot allow criminals to post bail and disappear for nearly a decade.

As a father of four, I feel a tremendous amount of sorrow for Michelle and Scott Root. Nine years ago, our laws failed them. I cannot fathom the pain their family endured during this nine-year absence of justice. The avoidable tragedy that took the life of their beautiful daughter should never be allowed to happen again. That’s why I’m committed to working with Secretary Noem and Border Czar Tom Homan to continue to implement President Trump’s initiatives to strengthen our national security and protect our communities. In February of 2024, during the Biden administration, illegal encounters at our southern border totaled nearly 190,000. Now, thanks to President Trump’s work, just 8,326 illegal encounters were reported in February of 2025 — the lowest level in recorded history.

Because of the Trump administration’s demands on behalf of the American people, our partners in North, Central, and South America are working to cut the flow of drugs into our country, stop murderous cartels, and protect innocent lives from being trafficked and enslaved. We are taking steps in the right direction to restore a safe and secure America.

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Randy Feenstra, a Republican from Hull, represents Iowa’s Fourth District in the U.S. House.