Sarah Root was a bright, 21-year-old Iowan with her future ahead of her. Just hours after graduating college with honors, she was killed by a drunk driver—an illegal immigrant who posted bail and disappeared, never facing justice.
Zoom out: Since 2018, more than 13,000 illegal immigrants have been convicted of driving under the influence. These aren’t just numbers. Each case represents a real risk and could end in another tragedy like Sarah’s.
The problem: Right now, U.S. immigration law does not make driving under the influence a deportable offense. That means individuals here illegally who endanger lives behind the wheel can stay in the country, even after being charged.
That’s why I just voted to pass the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act. This bill would make driving under the influence grounds for removal—finally closing a dangerous loophole and giving law enforcement the tools they need to keep our communities safe.
Bottom Line: We honor Sarah Root’s memory—and the memory of too many other Americans—by acting decisively to prevent more senseless tragedies. This bill is about safety, justice, and common sense.