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Pat Grassley: Iowa immigration law has ‘difficulties,’ but state had to act
House Speaker says statehouse Republicans forced to ‘do something’ because of inaction by federal government
Erin Murphy
Apr. 26, 2024 6:45 pm, Updated: Apr. 29, 2024 11:43 am
JOHNSTON — Iowa House Republicans understand the “difficulties” and “uncertainties” related to a new state law on immigration, but statehouse Republicans felt compelled to take action because of inaction by the federal government, Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley said Friday.
Grassley discussed the new law and other topics Friday while recording this weekend’s episode of “Iowa Press” on Iowa PBS.
Statehouse Republicans during the recently concluded 2024 legislative session passed a law that enables Iowa law enforcement officials to arrest and deport migrants who cross into Iowa illegally.
Some Iowa law enforcement officers have warned the new law will create mistrust between law enforcement and the state’s immigrant communities, and have said the law creates logistical questions like how state and local officers will deport migrants and who would pay for that.
Grassley said he understands those concerns, but said statehouse Republicans wanted to take action on what is a top issue for Iowans. Grassley noted that Republicans approved $2 million in new funding to the Iowa Department of Public Safety to help with enforcement of the new law.
Grassley also noted that a similar law passed in Texas has been challenged in the courts.
“We understand the difficulties that come from that bill and some of the uncertainties that it creates,” Grassley said. “We did put some money in to support law enforcement to try to help implement it.
“But at the end of the day, some of it is — and I’ve shared this with some of the members of our federal delegation — that if the federal government, regardless if you’re Republican or Democrat, whoever is in charge, if they do not address the No. 1 issue that we’re hearing about, states are going to be left in a position where we have to do something.
“Telling our constituents that the No. 1 issue we’re hearing about is something we can’t do anything about or even attempt to do anything, I think really is not the right decision for states to make. We have to do everything we can to try to implement policies that we think will address the No. 1 concern that we’re hearing.”
When asked if states should pay for deporting migrants, Grassley criticized federal immigration enforcement agencies for a lack of communication with states.
“Part of the problem that we have with the whole immigration right now is the fact that we have no guidance from the federal government,” Grassley said. “Some of the conversations we’ve had with law enforcement (convey) when they maybe pull over someone or arrest someone, they can’t even get any feedback from the federal government (about) what is the status of this individual. …
“We have no cooperation from the federal agencies like ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and others that should be giving some guidance to the states.”
Given those concerns, Grassley was asked, did congressional Republicans err in killing immigration policy legislation that was negotiated for four months by Republican and Democratic leaders to ensure passage through the U.S. House and Senate? Grassley demurred, saying he is not familiar with the failed bill’s details.
“I think I’m going to leave that question to the other Grassley,” Pat Grassley said, referring to his grandfather, Iowa U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley.
“Here’s what I can tell you: I have shared with the other Grassley why we did what we did from the state perspective, that this is something that states are going to have to act,” Pat Grassley said.
“As far as the ins and out (of the federal immigration bill), I have enough bills on my plate to try to remember to come talk to you guys (reporters) about, as far as the ins and out of every piece of legislation.”
“Iowa Press” can be viewed on Iowa PBS on Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at noon. Episodes can be viewed online at iowapbs.org.
Comments: (515) 355-1300, erin.murphy@thegazette.com