By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-03-22 00:46:32 | Updated at 2025-03-22 04:11:48
3 hours ago
An illegal immigrant accused of killing a promising young woman in a devastating DUI crash has been hauled back to American after nearly a decade on the run.
The life of Sarah Root life was abruptly cut short in Omaha, Nebraska one night in January 2016. She had been out celebrating with friends just a day after receiving her degree from Bellevue University.
The recent college graduate was stopped at a red light when her vehicle was struck by a drunk driver - an undocumented Honduran national named Eswin Mejia who was street racing in his truck.
Root's family kept her on life support for three days, but her injuries were too severe.
The tragedy sparked a national outrage and igniting debates about immigration enforcement failures.
Root's tragic story 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 appreciative that Mr. Trump is speaking of our daughter. He & his staff have been very compassionate about what we have been going through & have tried to help however they can.'
He highlighted it as one of many examples of foreigners crossing America's borders illegally and committing a horrific crime.
The life of Sarah Root life was abruptly cut short in Omaha, Nebraska one night in January 2016
Undocumented Honduran national, Eswin Mejia, 16,was street racing in his truck when he crashed into Root. He is pictured being flown back to the US earlier on Friday
Horrifying pictures reveal how badly damaged Root's car was during the deadly crash
Mejia had entered the US illegally as an unaccompanied minor years earlier in 2013, was arrested and charged with motor vehicle homicide. He was three times over the legal limit.
Despite the seriousness of the charge, he was released on a $50,000 bond after a relative posted the cash fee - $5,000.
Mejia took advantage of the judge's decision and instead of showing up for court, he vanished and fled back to Honduras where he was able to hide in the shadows of Central America. His family insisted that he no longer lived at home.
Mejia essentially became a ghost but Sarah's family waited while officials placed his his name on ICE's 'Most Wanted' list.
On Thursday, Mejia was finally captured, cuffed, and immediately extradited back to America on Friday.
Mejia was pictured shackled in handcuffs, aboard a the US-bound private jet.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the extradition on social media.
'Nine years ago, Sarah was tragically killed by an illegal immigrant who later fled our country. Today, the Trump Administration is announcing the extradition of Sarah's killer from Honduras to the United States to face justice once and for all,' Rubio tweeted.
Mejia was accused of racing on the street while under the influence of alcohol when he struck Sarah Root's vehicle
Mejia is seen being marched to a waiting jet in Honduras on Friday to take him back to the US
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the extradition on social media
Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa also issued a statement praising the return
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem praised Trump for putting American's safety first
Donald Trump invites Sarah's mom, Michelle Root, onstage during his 2016 election campaign
Donald Trump hugs Sarah's brother Scott Root as his mother Michelle and father Scott Bernhardt look on in August 2016
Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa also issued a statement praising the return.
'The Trump administration never forgot Sarah Root's story. Together, we fought for justice to hold the illegal immigrant who took her life accountable. Iowans and every American know that this administration will always put our citizens first.'
Mejia first entered the US illegally in 2013 at the Nogales, Arizona border, where he was classified as an unaccompanied minor.
As required by law, he was transferred to the Office of Refugee Resettlement and was sent to live with his brother in Omaha in 2014.
But less than two years later, he was behind the wheel of a vehicle that killed Sarah Root.
Even after his arrest, federal immigration officials failed to place a detainer on him, allowing him to walk free on bond.
ICE admitted it encountered Mejia only once following his arrest, and at that time, deemed him to be 'not an enforcement priority.'
The missed opportunities and countless red flags led to the creation of 'Sarah's Law,' aimed at keeping suspected undocumented immigrants charged with serious crimes in custody.
The aim would also enforce stricter detention on illegal immigrants.
Root's family kept her on life support for three days, but her injuries were too severe
Root had been out celebrating with friends just a day after receiving her degree from Bellevue University
Sarah Root's family kept her on life support for three days, but her injuries were too severe. She is pictured alongside her brother Scott
The case became a flashpoint in the broader immigration debate, serving as a grim example for those calling for stricter enforcement policies.
Sarah's parents became outspoken advocates for reform, meeting with national leaders and appearing before Congress to ensure no other family would have to endure such an agonizing injustice.
Mejia's extradition comes shortly after a renewed agreement between Honduras and the United States to enforce a century-old treaty.
The cooperation had been uncertain amid recent political tensions - especially following a controversial meeting between Honduran leaders and Venezuela's Defense Minister, a figure wanted on drug trafficking charges in the US.
But Eswin Mejia finally back on American soil to face justice, it appears the tide has finally turned.
