(Radio Iowa) – A bill that would have required local police to partner with federal immigration enforcement activities has been tabled and likely won’t be revived during the 2025 legislative session.
Iowa House Judiciary Committee Chair Steven Holt of Denison says he decided not to advance the bill because of concerns that local police and sheriff’s departments might not have the manpower to assist and that would impact other aspects of public safety. Immigrant rights advocates strongly opposed the bill, saying it would lead to racial profiling and undermine police relationships with immigrant communities.
Holt hopes to advance a different immigration-related bill. It would say Iowa law enforcement officers could be charged with a felony if they refuse to cooperate and let Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrest people being released from jail.
