Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill this week intended to prevent sanctuary cities for undocumented immigrants in the state.
Senate File 481 will revoke state funds for municipalities that circumvent federal immigration laws.
No Iowa community currently meets the U.S. Justice Department’s standard for sanctuary cities. However, State Senator Ken Rozenboom says Iowa City had recently passed legislation that he found concerning.
The bill has drawn objections from law enforcement agencies throughout the state, saying it could make their job more difficult by preventing some people from reporting crimes or the need for help by increasing their fear of deportation. The Iowa Police Chief Association, Iowa Attorney General’s Office, and the Iowa County Attorneys Association all opposed the measure.