OPINION | This article contains the author's opinion.
Republican governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa signed a bill making illegal reentry into the US a state crime.
The law, which takes effect in July but may face legal challenges, allows state police to arrest and deport undocumented immigrants previously deported or denied entry. It grants immunity to law enforcement.
“The Biden administration has failed to enforce our nation’s immigration laws, putting the protection and safety of Iowans at risk,” Reynolds said. “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.”
Supporters argue the Biden administration has failed on immigration enforcement.
Democrats criticize it as a political stunt without resources for deportations.
The law makes illegal presence a misdemeanor or felony depending on prior convictions.
Police can arrest in most areas but not protected sites. Other states are also considering similar laws, while Texas and Iowa have faced legal battles over theirs.
Mexico has threatened to sue Iowa to repeal its new law.