An illegal immigrant accused of killing a promising young woman in a devastating diz -crash was brought back to the American after almost a decade.
The life of Sarah Root Life was abruptly demolished in Omaha, Nebraska one evening in January 2016. She was a day after obtaining her diploma at Bellevue University with friends.
The recent graduate graduated was stopped at a red light when her vehicle was hit by a drunk driver – a Honduran National without paper named Eswin Mejia, who was street races in his truck.
The Van Root family kept her for three days of living support, but her injuries were too serious.
The tragedy led to a national indignation and missing debates about failures of immigration enforcement.
The tragic story of Root was even used by Donald Trump in his acceptance speech at the Republican Convention in 2016.
In a statement released after the speech, Root's parents said: 'We are very appreciated that Mr. Trump is talking about our daughter. He and his staff have been very compassionate with what we have gone through and have tried to help as they can. '
He emphasized it as one of the many examples of foreigners who illegally exceed America and commit a horrible crime.
The life of Sarah Root Life was abruptly demolished in Omaha, Nebraska one evening in January 2016
Honduran National Without Papers, Eswin Mejia, 16, was street races in his truck when he crashed against the root. He is shown that it will be flown back to the US earlier on Friday
Gruesome photos reveal how badly damaged Root's car was during the deadly crash
Mejia had illegally entered the US as a non -counseled small years earlier in 2013, was arrested and accused of murder of motor vehicles. He was three times above the legal limit.
Despite the seriousness of the costs, he was released on a bond of $ 50,000 after a family member had posted the money costs – $ 5,000.
Mejia benefited from the decision of the judge and instead of appearing before the court, he disappeared and fled back to Honduras where he could hide in the shadow of Central America. His family insisted that he no longer lived at home.
Mejia in essence became a spirit, but the family of Sarah waited while officials placed his name on Ice's 'Most Wanted' list.
On Thursday, Mejia was finally imprisoned, buffered and was immediately extradited to America on Friday.
Mejia was depicted in handcuffs, on board the American bound private jet.
State Secretary Marco Rubio confirmed the extradition on social media.
'Nine years ago, Sarah was tragically murdered by an illegal immigrant who later fled our country. Today the Trump government announces the extradition of Sarah's murderer from Honduras to the United States to face justice once and for all, 'tweeted Rubio.
Mejia was accused of racing on the street while he was under the influence of alcohol when he hit Sarah's vehicle
Mejia will be going to a waiting jet in Honduras on Friday to bring him back to the US.
State Secretary Marco Rubio confirmed the extradition on social media
Senator Joni Ernst van Iowa has also issued a statement in which the return is praised
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Name Trump praised Trump to set the safety of the American first
Donald Trump invites Sarah's mother, Michelle Root, on stage during his 2016 election campaign
Donald Trump hugs Sarah's brother Scott Root while his mother Michelle and father Scott Bernhardt watch in August 2016
Senator Joni Ernst van Iowa has also issued a statement in which the return is praised.
'The Trump government has never forgotten the story of Sarah Root. Together we fought for justice to keep the illegal immigrant who took her life responsible. Iowans and every American know that this government will always put our citizens first. '
Mejia came into the US for the first time for the first time in 2013 on the border of Dekales, Arizona, where he was classified as a non -counseled minor.
As required by law, he was transferred to the resettlement of refugees and was sent to Omaha in 2014 with his brother.
But less than two years later he was behind the wheel of a vehicle that Sarah Root killed.
Even after his arrest, federal immigration officials did not succeed in placing a detainer on him, allowing him to walk freely on Bond.
Ice admitted that the Mejia came across, but once after his arrest, and at that moment he considered him “no enforcement priority.”
The missed opportunities and countless red flags led to the establishment of 'Sarah's Law', aimed at keeping suspected immigrants without papers accused of serious crimes in custody.
The goal would also enforce stricter detention on illegal immigrants.
Root's family kept her living support for three days, but her injuries were too serious
Root had been with friends a day after obtaining her diploma from Bellevue University
The family of Sarah Root kept her for three days of living support, but her injuries were too serious. She is depicted next to her brother Scott
The case became a flash point in the broader immigration debate and served as a grim example for those calling for stricter enforcement policy.
Sarah's parents became pronounced proponents for reform, meeting national leaders and appeared before the congress to ensure that no other family should endure such a painful injustice.
The extradition of Mejia comes shortly after a renewed agreement between Honduras and the United States to force a centuries old Convention.
The cooperation had been uncertain in the midst of recent political tensions – especially after a controversial meeting between Honduran leaders and the Minister of Defense of Venezuela, a figure sought for charges for drug trafficking in the US.
But Eswin Mejia finally comes back on American soil to face justice, it seems that the tide has finally turned.
