DES MOINES, Iowa – Gov. Kim Reynolds on Wednesday signed a bill, SF 2340, that makes illegal immigration a state crime under Iowa law.
“The Biden Administration has failed to enforce our nation’s immigration laws, putting the protection and safety of Iowans at risk. 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,” Reynolds said in a released statement.
The Iowa Senate passed the bill in early March by a 34 to 16 vote followed by the Iowa House passing the bill days later by 64 to 30 vote.
Illegal immigration becomes an aggravated misdemeanor if the immigrant was denied admission to the United States, was deported from the United States, or departed the United States while a deportation order is outstanding and returned.
Under Iowa law, an aggravated misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to two years in prison and fine of no more than $8,500.
An immigrant in the United States can be subject to Class D felony charges after removal due to a misdemeanor conviction involving drugs or crimes against a person or was subject to alien terrorist removal procedures. State law states the penalty for Class D felonies is up to five years in prison and a fine between $1,025 and $10,245.
Class C felony charges would apply if the immigrant was removed after a felony conviction carrying a penalty of up to ten years in prison and fine of at least $1,375 up to $13,660.
Ultimately, the bill sets up a removal procedure for those found in the state of Iowa in violation of federal law.
The bill forbids law enforcement officers from arresting someone if the person is in a school, place of worship, a health care facility, or a facility for survivors of sexual assault.
Read SF 2340 below:
SF2340
