Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks at a press conference in Eagle Pass, Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border Aug. 21, 2023. (Screenshot via the Office of the Governor Greg Abbott livestream)
Gov. Kim Reynolds told Iowa law enforcement officials Friday to prepare to support the federal government’s effort to deport undocumented immigrants, expected to start when President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Trump is set to take office Monday, Jan. 20 on Inauguration Day and has promised swift action on immigration. Advocates with immigration groups are preparing for a return to immigration policies from Trump’s first term in office, like the so-called Remain in Mexico policy requiring asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their cases are pending. They also expect a return of the Title 42 policy allowing the U.S. to expel and bar migrants claiming asylum status, in addition to changes to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
The president-elect has also outlined his plans for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, creating a team led by “border czar” Tom Homan.
In preparation for Trump’s deportation actions, Reynolds sent a memo to Stephan Bayens, Iowa Department of Public Safety commissioner, and Beth Skinner, director of the Iowa Department of Corrections Friday, saying Iowa law enforcement will “fully cooperate and assist” with the federal government “in upholding federal immigration laws.”
This will entail working with U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security on investigations and contacting federal departments if state investigations result in the apprehension of individuals under “reasonable suspicion” for violating federal immigration laws.
The memo also directed state law enforcement to honor detainer requests from the Department of Homeland Security for transferring individuals to immigration authorities, and to notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a person will be released from criminal custody, and to keep them in custody until they can be transferred to a requesting federal authority.
“Let’s Make America Safe Again!” Reynolds wrote in a social media post on the memo.
Iowa immigrant advocates criticized the governor’s directive, with Escucha Mi Voz member Alejandra Escobar saying in a statement that Reynolds should focus on “keeping families together while safeguarding the essential workers who are the backbone of Iowa’s economy.”
“Governor Reynolds and law enforcement at all levels must uphold and respect our constitutional rights,” Escobar said. “ICE and the police cannot enter our homes without a warrant. We have the right to remain silent, consult with an attorney, and request identification from law enforcement officials.”