Judge impedes Iowa law granting arrest authorization for certain undocumented individuals.
On Monday, District Court Judge Stephen H. Locher declared that only the federal government holds the power to dictate US immigration policy.
"Iowa is not attempting to protect any unique interest, but rather is attempting to push (or, one might say, force) the United States to implement federal immigration laws," Locher wrote in his ruling.
The law, Senate File 2340, was set to take effect on July 1, making it illegal for individuals to reside in Iowa after being deported, denied entry to the US, or having an outstanding deportation order. Iowa's Republican Governor, Kim Reynolds, signed the law in April, stating it was a response to a lack of immigration enforcement from President Joe Biden and the federal government.
"With this injunction, states are left vulnerable to the ongoing crisis at our southern border," Reynolds said in a statement.
Locher's ruling indicated that the Iowa law would allow law enforcement to arrest immigrants who have a pending appeal on their federal deportation order. "The conclusion is evident: Senate File 2340 does not allow for federal immigration law to run its natural course," wrote Locher.
The Iowa legislation bears resemblance to a law passed in Texas, which authorizes state law enforcement to apprehend and detain suspected undocumented immigrants. A federal appeals court suspended the Texas law in March.
As the immigration debate continues to be a contentious topic for voters during this election cycle, Republicans have been exploiting high levels of illegal border crossings against Democrats, especially Biden, with both parties debating measures to reinforce the southern border.
Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, called the ruling "a good initial step," but added, "The battle is far from over!" The state intends to challenge the decision, according to Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird.
"I am disheartened by today's court decision that prevents Iowa from stopping illegal reentry and ensuring the safety of our communities," Bird said in a statement on Monday. "Since Biden refuses to secure our borders, he has left states with no choice but to take matters into their own hands."
CNN's Alisha Ebrahimji and Alexandra Ross contributed to this report.
