A federal judge has blocked an Iowa law that would have allowed police to file charges against individuals facing deportation, ruling that it is unconstitutional. The law, set to take effect on July 1, was challenged by the Department of Justice, which argued it violated federal immigration laws.
U.S. District Judge Stephen Locher agreed with the DOJ, stating in his ruling that while the law may have been “defensible as a matter of politics,” it was not constitutional.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds expressed disappointment with the decision, claiming it leaves the state “defenseless” to the consequences of President Biden’s “Open Border” policy. Reynolds alleged that the policy has led to increased crime, overdose deaths, and human trafficking. She elaborated in another statement obtained by the New York Times.
The governor’s office released a statement saying, “Plainly, the Biden administration is failing to do their job and enforce federal immigration laws, allowing millions to enter and re-enter without consequence or delay.” Reynolds had signed the law into effect to “protect Iowans and our communities” from the effects of the border crisis.
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird also expressed disappointment with the decision, stating that she was “disappointed in today’s court decision that blocks Iowa from stopping illegal reentry and keeping our communities safe.” Bird, a Republican, said she would appeal the decision.
The law, which passed with bipartisan support in the state legislature, would have made it a state crime for individuals to be in Iowa if they were denied entry into the country or had previously been deported. The Biden administration has consistently argued against state immigration laws, claiming they are unconstitutional.
