Op-Ed: Michelle Root: How Rep. Randy Feenstra delivered justice for my daughter
More than nine years ago, my life changed forever. On the night of her graduation from college, my daughter, Sarah Root, was killed by an illegal immigrant who was driving drunk — three times over the legal limit. The pain of losing a child is immeasurable. It’s a wound that never heals. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of Sarah — her bright smile, her sweet demeanor, her precious soul.
It’s impossible to describe that empty feeling. That feeling of hopelessness, devastation, and loss. The feeling that no parent should endure, but far too many have.
What’s even harder to describe is how our legal system let the illegal immigrant who murdered my daughter free. Instead of answering for his crimes, he posted bail, was released from custody, and fled the United States. I wasn’t notified that he was gone until it was too late. Just like that, the tiniest semblance of justice that could have been delivered evaporated.
When it felt like I had nowhere else to turn, I had the opportunity to meet with my Congressman, Randy Feenstra, to raise awareness about Sarah’s story and, ultimately, close that egregious loophole that let Sarah’s killer escape. During our conversation, Randy listened to my every word. As a father of four, he reiterated to me repeatedly that he wanted to do anything that he could to honor Sarah’s life and fix the law that caused our family unthinkable heartache.
Randy kept his promise.
He introduced legislation in memory of my daughter — Sarah’s Law — to detain without bail and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law any illegal immigrant who harms or kills an American citizen. That was back in 2021. But Randy never quit. He introduced Sarah’s Law every Congress because this mission was that important to him. Of course, we knew under the Biden administration, a commonsense bill like Sarah’s Law would never be signed. However, with the election of President Donald Trump, a glimmer of hope emerged — and that’s when Randy jumped into action.
Following introduction of the Laken Riley Act — another bill honoring the life of a young girl killed by an illegal immigrant in Georgia — Randy worked nonstop to attach Sarah’s Law to this legislation. I remember getting the call from Randy that the Laken Riley Act had passed the House of Representatives with Sarah’s Law included. I was elated. After passing the Senate, we were just one step away from seeing Sarah’s Law enshrined into law.
Just like he promised on the campaign trail to punish criminal illegal immigrants, President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act with Sarah’s Law included. While I couldn’t make the trip to Washington, D.C. to be at the White House for the signing ceremony, Randy saw to it that he could be there to witness this emotional and meaningful moment for my family with Sarah’s father, Scott. Because of President Trump and Randy Feenstra, illegal immigrants who harm or kill Americans will be rightfully detained and punished without any chance to escape on bail.
After seeing President Trump sign the Laken Riley Act with Sarah’s Law, we didn’t think it could get any better. But, just months later, President Trump and his administration worked closely with law enforcement officials in Honduras to capture the illegal immigrant who murdered Sarah nearly a decade ago. He was swiftly extradited back to the United States and now awaits a trial. The justice that we never thought would be served will soon be delivered thanks to President Trump and Congressman Randy Feenstra.
Randy Feenstra is a phenomenal representative for the people of Iowa, and I have been glad to support him in his campaigns for Congress. Now, I am confident that he will make an incredible Governor of Iowa and continue to serve our state well. He will work with President Trump to implement the America First agenda and kick violent illegal immigrants out of our country.
There is no stronger candidate to lead our state and partner with President Trump to keep our families and communities safe. It’s why I am proud to support Randy Feenstra for Governor, and encourage Iowans across our great state to do the same. A man who would treat our family as his own, is a man who will take our state to new heights. I encourage you to support Randy Feenstra for Governor.
Michelle Root is the mother of Sarah Root, her only daughter, who was killed by an illegal immigrant in 2016. She lives in Modale, Iowa.