Iowa AG investigating sheriff for rejecting immigration detainer orders

• The Iowa attorney general has launched an investigation into the Winneshiek County sheriff for opposing federal immigration enforcement. Sheriff Dan Marx announced his department would not assist ICE without a valid warrant.
• Gov. Kim Reynolds has called for the investigation, arguing the sheriff’s actions violate state law.
• The investigation into the sheriff’s department is ongoing.

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A sheriff’s department in northeastern Iowa is under investigation by the state attorney general for publicly opposing certain aspects of immigration enforcement. Gov. Kim Reynolds filed a complaint against the agency, citing Iowa state law.

Winneshiek County sheriff rejects ICE detainers

The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office sparked the investigation after Sheriff Dan Marx posted a letter on social media Tuesday, Feb. 4, declaring that his department would not assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in deportations unless agents present valid warrants.

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Marx defended his position, emphasizing his department upholds constitutional rights rather than aligning with political views. He stated deputies would actively work to “block, interfere and interrupt” any arrests based on detainers.

ICE uses detainers to hold noncitizens for up to 48 hours while gathering more information about them.

Governor calls for investigation

The following day, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issued her own letter, calling for an investigation into the department and the county board of supervisors. She warned of withholding state funding if the department refused cooperation with federal immigration efforts.

Reynolds pointed to Chapter 27A of the state’s immigration laws, passed in 2018, which mandates that local sheriff’s departments assist federal immigration officers when requested. She argued agencies cannot create policies that undermine state law.

Investigation underway

In response, the Iowa attorney general, Brenna Bird, accepted the governor’s complaint and has officially opened an investigation into Winneshiek County’s actions.

Reynolds said the county could lose eligibility for state funding if the sheriff’s department is found to be in violation of state law.

The investigation continues as tensions grow between state and local officials over immigration enforcement policies.