Grassley Lauds Announcement of New Office to Help Victims of Undocumented Immigrant Crime
WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee
Chairman Chuck Grassley today made the following comment after the Department
of Homeland Security launched the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement
(VOICE) office.
“I am heartened that the President is making good on his commitment to those who have been victimized by crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. This new office will ensure that victims and their families have a place to turn to for more information in their pursuit of justice. Nothing better highlights the need for this new office than the tragic case of Sarah Root and her family’s relentless pursuit of justice. I have advocated for similar measures in Sarah’s Law, because no family should be left in the dark while enduring the pain of losing a loved one.
“I also commend the continued, diligent efforts by Secretary Kelly to enforce our nation’s lawful immigration system. Today’s opening of the VOICE office is yet another step in the right direction.”
Grassley co-authored Sarah’s
Law, named in honor of 21 year old Sarah Root who was killed by an
undocumented immigrant while driving drunk. The law was re-introduced
in January and would amend the mandatory detention provisions of the
Immigration and Nationality Act to require the federal government to take
custody of anyone who entered the country illegally, violated the terms of
their immigration status, or had their visa revoked and is thereafter charged
with a crime resulting in the death or serious bodily injury of another person.
The legislation also requires ICE to make reasonable efforts to identify and
provide relevant information to the crime victims or their families.
-30-
