Grassley Cheers Senate Passage of Legislation to Protect Americans, Hold Criminal Illegal Immigrants Accountable

Grassley Cheers Senate Passage of Legislation to Protect Americans, Hold Criminal Illegal Immigrants Accountable

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today applauded the Senate's passage of the Grassley-backed Laken Riley Act, a bill to detain illegal immigrants found guilty of theft or burglary. The bill was amended to expand detention requirements for illegal immigrants found to have assaulted a police officer or caused serious bodily harm or death to a civilian. Included in the amendments adopted is the basis of Sarah's Law, legislation Grassley co-led alongside Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) to hold accountable illegal immigrants who commit violent crimes.

"Republicans are swiftly delivering on our promise to restore law and order to our nation," Grassley said. "It's a welcome development to see the Laken Riley Act pass the Senate, along with an amendment in memory of Iowan Sarah Root. This bill will go a long way to ensure criminal illegal immigrants who steal from, harm or kill Americans face justice."

Grassley spoke in memory of Iowan Sarah Root ahead of today's vote on the Senate floor. Click HERE for video of Grassley's floor remarks.

Background:

Grassley and Ernst first introduced Sarah's Law in 2016, shortly after a young Iowan, Sarah Root, was killed by an illegal immigrant driving under the influence. Sarah's killer ultimately escaped justice because federal immigration authorities refused to detain him. Grassley and Ernst have reintroduced Sarah's Law every congressional session since 2016.

The Laken Riley Act was named after a nursing student who was murdered last year by an illegal immigrant and repeat criminal offender who had previously been detained for robbery, but was released. Grassley is an original cosponsor of the legislation and spoke earlier this month on the Senate floor in support of the bill.

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