“The safety and well-being of Iowans are being compromised due to the Biden administration’s failure to uphold our nation’s immigration laws,” stated Reynolds. She further added, “Illegal entry into our country is a violation of the law, yet President Biden remains reluctant to deport these individuals. Through this bill, Iowa law enforcement will be empowered to take action that the administration is unwilling to undertake – the enforcement of existing immigration laws.”
What is the status of the Texas immigration law?
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The courts have currently blocked the Texas law, which is being used as a model for Iowa’s legislation, pending the resolution of a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality.
The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against the Texas law, claiming that it violates the constitution by encroaching on the federal government’s power to enforce immigration laws. Furthermore, they argue that this law could potentially lead to administrative chaos in its implementation.
Kim Reynolds is taking action by sending over 100 Iowa National Guard and State Patrol officers to the US-Mexico border. This decision demonstrates her commitment to addressing the border security issues.
Iowa is currently sending 10 officers from the Iowa Department of Public Safety and 110 soldiers from the Iowa National Guard to the border in order to assist Texas’ state law enforcement and military with their immigration efforts.
Immigrant rights groups have taken a firm stance against the Iowa legislation and have expressed their determination to challenge it through legal avenues, as well as organizing strikes and rallies in protest.
Manny Galvez, a board member of Escucha Mi Voz, emphasized the message of “No Tengan Miedo, have no fear” across Texas to Iowa. In response to the passing of the legislation by the House, Galvez stated on March 20 that they would persistently challenge this unconstitutional law through rulemaking, the courts, and grassroots activism. Their fight aims to prevent deportations, safeguard refugee children, and uphold the unity of families.
What does the Iowa law do by criminalizing ‘illegal reentry’ into the state?
A new crime has been established by the law, known as illegal reentry into the state. This crime is applicable to individuals who have been previously deported, removed, or denied admission to the United States.
In certain circumstances, the crime can be elevated to a class D felony, which carries a maximum prison sentence of up to five years. However, in most cases, the crime is considered an aggravated misdemeanor, which comes with a two-year sentence.
If an individual is arrested for another felony, the offense is elevated to a class C felony, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Iowa law enforcement may have the authority to arrest undocumented immigrants if a new bill is passed and signed into law by Governor Reynolds.
The judge in the case must issue an order for individuals convicted of illegal reentry, mandating their return to the country from which they originated.
Law enforcement officers are prohibited from making arrests if individuals are located in certain places such as schools, places of worship, healthcare facilities, or facilities for survivors of sexual assault.
The legislation grants legal immunity to local law enforcement and other government officials who are tasked with enforcing the measure.
You can contact Stephen Gruber-Miller, who covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register, through email at [email protected] or by phone at 515-284-8169. Stay updated with his insights and updates by following him on Twitter at @sgrubermiller.
Kim Reynolds signs Texas-style immigration law criminalizing ‘illegal reentry’ into Iowa
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a new immigration law that mirrors the controversial Texas-style law. The law seeks to criminalize “illegal reentry” into the state, making it a felony offense. This move comes as part of Reynolds’ efforts to strengthen immigration enforcement in Iowa.
Under the new law, individuals who are deported from Iowa and reenter the state without proper authorization could face felony charges. The law also includes provisions to crack down on human trafficking, with increased penalties for those involved in smuggling individuals across the border.
Reynolds believes that this law will help protect the safety and well-being of Iowans by ensuring that individuals who break immigration laws face appropriate consequences. She argues that this approach is necessary to maintain the rule of law and protect the state’s citizens.
However, opponents of the law argue that it will only serve to further criminalize and marginalize immigrant communities. They argue that it will make it more difficult for individuals to seek asylum or protection, putting vulnerable populations at greater risk.
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