Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law Wednesday a bill that allows local police to arrest illegal immigrants in the Hawkeye State who had previously been deported. (Getty Images)
The new law, which passed through both chambers of the state legislature last month, is slated to take effect on July 1.
The law specifically makes it an aggravated misdemeanor offense, which is punishable by up to two years in prison, for migrants in the state who have outstanding deportation orders, who were previously deported or previously prohibited from entering the country.
The crime is raised to a felony offense, according to the new law, if the immigrant's removal orders pertained to misdemeanor convictions for drug-related crimes, crimes against people, or prior felony convictions.
The law, however, prevents police from arresting migrants suspected of violating the law at places of worship, medical facilities or schools.
The illegal immigrants who are arrested, according to the law's text, may be permitted to leave the country by a judge and forgo facing charges.
Similar proposals to crack down on illegal immigration have moved forward in recent weeks in Louisiana, New Hampshire, Tennessee and Oklahoma.
The most high-profile similar legislation is in Texas, where Gov. Greg Abbott signed S.B. 4 into law in December, allowing police to arrest illegal immigrants and for judges to order them deported. The Texas law is part of Abbott's Operation Lone Star effort.
ANOTHER RED STATE MOVES A STEP CLOSER TO ENACTING TEXAS-STYLE ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION BILL
A group of over 100 migrants attempting to enter the U.S. illegally rush a border wall on March 21, 2024. (James Breeden for New York Post / Mega)
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SB 388 was approved by a Senate committee last month and was received in the House this week. It is expected to receive approval from the Republican-controlled legislature and Republican Gov. Jeff Landry.
Hodges, a Republican, said the move is necessary due to the "open border" and inaction from the federal government.
Kyle Morris covers politics for Fox News. Story tips can be sent via email and on X: @RealKyleMorris.
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