On April 11, 2024, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law that can legalize the arrest of some undocumented migrants. Under the legislation, undocumented migrants who were deported, have an outstanding deportation order or were previously denied entry to the U.S., can be arrested by state law enforcement.
Arrested migrants would have the option of following a deportation order issued by an Iowa judge, or facing legal prosecution. Those who choose to remain in the United States may face rearrests for more serious charges. The law is set to go into effect on July 1st of this year.
Similarities With SB4
Iowa’s law closely mimics that of Texas, which is currently facing legal challenges in federal court. Texas SB4 allows those illegally entering the country at the state’s border to be apprehended, arrested, or sent back to their country by Texas police officials, in addition to U.S. Border Patrol agents.
Under this legislation, first-time offenders face misdemeanor charges while repeat offenders can face felony charges. The law was initially passed but is now in limbo due to concerns that it is unconstitutional and interferes with federal immigration laws. It is unclear at this time whether Iowa’s legislation will face similar challenges.
Contact a California Immigration Lawyer Today
With the rise in immigration regulations at both state and federal levels, it is important to be aware of your rights and take precautionary measures to protect your immigration status. We advise all individuals regardless of their status to consult an immigration lawyer as soon as possible, especially in light of the upcoming election.
Reeves Immigration Law Group has over four decades of experience in handling immigration cases ranging from employment visas to deportation defense, and everything in between. Our California immigration lawyers are up to date with the latest regulations and news worldwide and can provide personalized and prevalent guidance amidst these challenges.
To discuss concerns related to Iowa or Texas regulations with a deportation attorney, fill out our contact form today!
