Civil Rights Groups File Lawsuit To Halt Implementation Of Controversial Anti-Immigrant Law In Iowa

Civil rights groups, including the American Immigration Council (AIC) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have filed a federal lawsuit to block a new anti-immigrant law in Iowa. This law, known as SF 2340, permits state police to arrest undocumented individuals who have previously been denied entry to the U.S. or deported. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice and the immigrants it aids, aims to prevent the law from taking effect on July 1. The controversial law creates new offenses for anyone, including children, who reenters the U.S. after deportation, even if they are authorized to remain in the country. Legal experts from AIC and ACLU argue that the law conflicts with federal law and could have severe consequences for Iowa residents. The U.S. Department of Justice has also warned that it might sue Iowa, claiming the state law violates the U.S. Constitution by creating a separate state immigration scheme. Governor Kim Reynolds has defended the law, asserting it allows Iowa to enforce immigration laws that the current federal administration is neglecting.