Plain Language Summary
# Sarah's Law Summary **What the bill would do:** Sarah's Law would require federal authorities to detain immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally and have been charged with or convicted of crimes that caused someone's death or serious injury.
The law would also require the Department of Homeland Security to notify crime victims (or their families) with information about the detained person, including their name, criminal history, and immigration status. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects undocumented immigrants accused or convicted of serious crimes resulting in death or severe injury, as well as victims of such crimes and their families, who would receive notifications about the cases. **Current status:** HR 578 is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) in the 119th Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Sarah's LawThis bill requires the Department of Justice or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain a non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) who is unlawfully present in the United States and has been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of a crime that resulted in the death or serious bodily injury of another person.DHS must obtain information about the identity of any victims of the crimes for which the detained individual was charged or convicted. DHS shall provide the victim, or a relative or guardian of a deceased victim, with information about the detained individual, including name, date of birth, nationality, immigration status, criminal history, and a description of any related removal efforts.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.