Gov. Kim Reynolds of Iowa signed a bill into law on Wednesday that will make it a state crime for a person to enter Iowa after having been deported or denied entry into the United States. The new law, set to take effect on July 1, is part of a growing trend among states to take immigration enforcement into their own hands.
Governor Reynolds, a Republican, criticized the Biden administration for failing to secure the U.S.-Mexico border and putting Americans at risk. She stated, “Those who come into our country illegally have broken the law, yet Biden refuses to deport them. This bill gives Iowa law enforcement the power to do what he is unwilling to do: enforce immigration laws already on the books.”
The law makes it a misdemeanor for a person to enter Iowa if they were previously deported, denied entry, or left the country while facing a deportation order. In some cases, the state crime would become a felony. Iowa police officers would be allowed to make arrests in most places, excluding schools, places of worship, or health care facilities.
While most Democrats in the Iowa Legislature voted against the measure, Republicans, who hold large majorities in both chambers, were able to pass the bill. State Representative Steven Holt, a Republican who supported the bill, emphasized the importance of states taking action to protect their sovereignty and citizens.
The signing of the law in Iowa reflects a broader trend of states seeking to assert their role in immigration enforcement, traditionally the domain of federal law enforcement. Texas has also passed a similar law that has faced legal challenges. Other states, such as Arizona and Louisiana, are considering similar measures to address illegal immigration within their borders.
As the debate over immigration enforcement continues at both the state and federal levels, the issue is likely to remain a key focus in the upcoming election year. Governor Reynolds’ decision to sign this bill underscores the ongoing efforts by some states to address immigration issues independently of federal policies.
