Des Moines, Iowa – A federal judge ruled on Monday that a new Iowa law, which imposes state criminal penalties on undocumented immigrants, is unconstitutional and cannot be enforced. The law, signed by Governor Kim Reynolds in April, criminalizes reentry into the state for individuals who have been deported or denied entry to the U.S., or failed to depart when ordered. This ruling comes after a similar law in Texas faced legal challenges and was also blocked in court.

The federal government filed a lawsuit against Iowa, arguing that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government, making state laws invalid under the U.S. Constitution. In response to the lawsuit, U.S. District Judge Stephen Locher granted a preliminary injunction, preventing the enforcement of the Iowa law. The judge cited constitutional conflicts with federal law and the need for federal immigration policy to speak with one unified voice.

Despite the ruling, Governor Reynolds and Iowa Attorney General have expressed their intention to appeal the decision. Activists from the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice have also vowed to continue their fight against the law, emphasizing concerns about potential family separations resulting from enforcement.

The judge’s decision is based on a Supreme Court ruling from 2012, which struck down a similar Arizona law for interfering with federal immigration policy. Locher emphasized that the Iowa law lacks key safeguards for immigrants who may have lawfully obtained residency in the U.S. but could still face prosecution under the state law.

In response to the ruling, Reynolds and the Attorney General defended the law, arguing that it is necessary to protect communities from crime, trafficking, and drug overdoses associated with undocumented immigration. Activists remain steadfast in their opposition to the law, planning protests and continuing to organize against its enforcement.

As the legal battle continues, questions remain about whether the law will be effectively enforced, with some Iowa officials expressing doubts about their readiness to take on immigration enforcement responsibilities. The ongoing debate highlights the complex and contentious nature of immigration policy at both the state and federal levels.