Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF2211

Introduced
2/5/24  
Introduced
2/5/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to illegal reentry into the state by certain aliens, prohibition on arrest in certain locations, orders to return to a foreign nation, immunity from liability and indemnification for enforcement actions, sentencing restrictions, and providing penalties.(See SF 2340.)

Impact

A notable impact of SF2211 is the prohibition against law enforcement arresting individuals in specified environments, including schools and healthcare facilities, aimed at protecting vulnerable populations. The bill allows judges to issue orders requiring individuals to return to their country of origin under certain conditions. This ensures that individuals retained under this legislation are systematically handled, reducing the risk of unnecessary detentions in sensitive locations.

Summary

Senate File 2211 introduces stringent measures concerning illegal reentry into Iowa by certain aliens. The bill categorizes the offense of entering, attempting to enter, or being found in Iowa after previously being denied admission, excluded, or removed from the U.S. as an aggravated misdemeanor. This escalates to a class D felony under specific circumstances, such as prior felony convictions or removals under certain federal statutes. These measures aim to deter reentry, reinforcing legal boundaries on immigration status within the state.

Contention

Opposition to the bill may arise from concerns regarding its implications on civil rights. Critics argue that such legislation may lead to racial profiling and undermine community trust in law enforcement, specifically in minority communities. Furthermore, the indemnification clauses included in the bill grant immunity to local and state officials for any actions taken under its provisions, raising ethical questions about accountability and the potential for misuse of power in enforcement scenarios.

Companion Bills

IA SF2340

Similar To A bill for an act relating to illegal reentry into the state by certain aliens, prohibition on arrest in certain locations, orders to return to a foreign nation, immunity from liability and indemnification for enforcement actions, sentencing restrictions, and providing penalties. (Formerly SF 2211.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

Previously Filed As

IA H0011

Adds to existing law to provide for crimes regarding illegal entry into this state, to provide for an order to return to a foreign nation, and to provide for civil immunity for and indemnification of local government and state officials, employees, and contractors regarding immigration.

IA HF423

A bill for an act prohibiting certain actions relating to abortifacient drugs in the state, and providing penalties.

IA HB1303

Relating to certain criminal offenses involving illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, including the enforcement of those offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

IA HB1832

Relating to the punishment for certain criminal offenses involving illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien; increasing criminal penalties.

IA HB48

Provides with respect to immunity from civil liability for law enforcement engaged in certain actions (Item #40)

IA HB51

Provides with respect to immunity from civil liability for law enforcement engaged in certain actions (Item #40)

IA HF2646

A bill for an act relating to certain activities associated with foreign entities in the state, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly HSB 752.)

IA A1354

Replaces references to "alien" and "illegal alien" in statutes with "foreign national" and "undocumented foreign national," respectively; prohibits use of those terms by executive branch agencies.

IA HSB752

A bill for an act relating to certain activities associated with foreign entities in the state, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 2646.)

IA HB2527

Relating to prohibiting lobbyists from representing certain aliens or foreign entities, providing a criminal penalty.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.