A bill authorizing the arrest of certain migrants is signed by the governor of Iowa

On Wednesday, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill banning people from entering the state if they were denied entrance or deported.

SF 2340 will make it a state felony to be in Iowa with outstanding deportation orders, prior U.S. removal, or prior Iowa denial. A suspect in jail might consent to a judge's order to leave the country or face more charges.

The judge's order must mention the person's mode of transportation to the port of entry and the law enforcement agency in charge of enforcing it.

Reynolds stated after signing the measure that this will provide law enforcement more power to enforce immigration laws.

“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.”

Legislation will take effect July 1.

The bill has been criticized by Iowa migrants and activists. On Wednesday, Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice pledged to challenge the new law.