Iowa has followed Texas’ lead by enacting a law that permits law enforcement officers to arrest certain undocumented migrants, with Republican Governor Kim Reynolds signing the bill into law this week.
The legislation, which will take effect on July 1, makes it a criminal offense to be present in the state after deportation, denial of admission to the United States, or the issuance of an outstanding deportation order. Similar to Texas’ controversial law, which is currently facing legal challenges, the Iowa statute empowers state officials to apprehend and detain suspected illegal immigrants.
Governor Reynolds defended the law as a necessary measure to enforce immigration laws and criticized President Joe Biden’s approach to immigration enforcement. She asserted that the bill provides Iowa law enforcement with the authority to uphold existing immigration laws, which the Biden administration has purportedly neglected.
In response, the White House highlighted the failure of Congress to pass bipartisan legislation addressing border security as a hindrance to resolving immigration issues. The administration emphasized the need for Republican support for a bipartisan border security agreement to address the broken immigration system and secure the southern border.
The enactment of the law reflects the ongoing politicization of immigration, with Republicans leveraging concerns over illegal border crossings against Democrats, particularly President Biden, while both parties clash over border security measures.
Local immigrant rights groups in Iowa, such as the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice, have vehemently opposed the legislation, emphasizing the importance of welcoming immigrants and refugees. They argue that the law undermines the inclusivity and hospitality emblematic of Iowa’s identity.
Under the Iowa law, individuals arrested may choose to accept a deportation order from a state judge or face potential prosecution. The bill specifies the procedures for deportation, including transportation arrangements to a port of US entry and oversight responsibility by law enforcement or state agencies.