Related videos:
State Secretary Marco Rubio celebrated on Friday the extradition of Eswin Mejía, a Honduran citizen accused of the homicide of American young woman Sarah Root in 2016.
Mejía, who had been a fugitive for nine years, was recently captured in Honduras and transferred to the United States to face justice.
"Justice will finally be served for Sarah Root. Nine years ago, Sarah was tragically killed by an illegal immigrant who then fled our county. Today, the Trump administration announces the extradition of Sarah's killer from Honduras to the United States so that they can face justice once and for all. Thank you to the Honduran government for their cooperation and assistance," Rubio stated in a social media announcement.
The National Police of Honduras confirmed the capture of the suspect on February 27, 2025, in the village of Río Frío, municipality of San Nicolás, in the department of Santa Bárbara; and then, on March 17, the Honduran government agreed to extradite its citizen.
The arrest was the result of an operation conducted by special search and capture units, following a process of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
After his capture, Mejía was transferred under strict security measures to the National Special Forces Directorate in Tegucigalpa, awaiting the extradition process in accordance with current regulations.
Mejía, who was an undocumented immigrant in the U.S. when he fatally struck Root, is facing charges in that country for vehicular homicide, classified as a Class II A felony under the Revised Statutes of Nebraska.
According to the accusation, in 2016, he hit Sarah Root while driving a car under the influence of alcohol.
In addition, he is charged with the crime of failing to appear before the court—having taken refuge in his country of origin after the incident—classified as a Class IV misdemeanor under Nebraska law.
U.S. authorities have emphasized the collaboration of the Honduran government in the extradition process.
Frequently asked questions about the extradition of Eswin Mejía and the actions of Marco Rubio
Who is Eswin Mejía and why was he extradited to the United States?
Eswin Mejía is a Honduran citizen accused of the homicide of Sarah Root, a young American, in 2016. He was extradited to the United States to face charges of homicide by motor vehicle and failure to appear in court.
What role did Marco Rubio play in the extradition of Eswin Mejía?
Marco Rubio, in his capacity as Secretary of State of the U.S., praised the extradition of Eswin Mejía and thanked the Honduran government for its cooperation. His statement underscores the importance of international collaboration in cases of transnational justice.
What are the implications of Mejía's extradition for relations between the U.S. and Honduras?
The extradition of Mejía strengthens the cooperation between the United States and Honduras in the fight against transnational crime and impunity. This act demonstrates the commitment of both countries to the administration of justice and could enhance future collaborations in security matters.
How does Trump's immigration policy affect cases like that of Eswin Mejía?
The Trump administration has implemented stricter immigration policies, focused on fighting illegal immigration and deporting immigrants with criminal records. The Mejía case underscores the importance of these measures and international collaboration to ensure that individuals wanted by the law face their charges in the U.S.
Filed under:
