Gov. Threatens Winneshiek County with Loss of State Funding if ICE Violation Occurs, AG Investigates
Governor Kim Reynolds has threatened to pull state funding after a Northeast Iowa law enforcement leader’s social media post expressing his stance on actions by ICE and the FBI among others.
In a Facebook post Tuesday (02.04), Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx wrote, “Given what we have seen from these agencies, I share your mistrust and many of your concerns with the legitimacy of how these federal agents conduct business.”
Marx added that his office won’t assist federal agents if their requests aren’t “within constitutional parameters” and WCSO will actively work to block or interfere with detainers, which he labels an “unconstitutional request from federal agencies to arrest or hold someone.”
He also writes that his “actions and involvement will solely be based on constitutional standards and not on opinions, politics or emotions.”
Wednesday (02.05), Governor Reynolds responded with a letter to Marx and Winneshiek County Supervisors referencing an Iowa law passed in 2018. She wrote, “Iowa law provides a sheriff shall not adopt or enforce a policy or take any other action under which the sheriff prohibits or discourages the enforcement of immigration laws. Iowa law further requires that a sheriff shall not prohibit or discourage a law enforcement officer from assisting or cooperating with a federal immigration officer as reasonable or necessary, including providing enforcement assistance.”
Reynolds said state funding could be withheld from Winnesheik County if the County violates the policy.
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird says she has opened an investigation into Marx’s stance. In a statement issued late Thursday, Bird said “Iowa law is clear…and specifically requires law enforcement to comply with ICE detainers or risk the loss of state funding.”
Last month, New Hampton Police Conrad Rosendahl issued a statement that it was not the NHPD’s job to enforce immigration laws, nor are his officers trained to do so. He also said NHPD will not actively check on one’s immigration status and noted, “Our officers do not and will not stop individuals to inquire about immigration status, nor do we have access to systems that allow us to verify someone’s legal status.”
Link to Sheriff Dan Marx’s letter to people:
Link to Governor Kim Reynolds letter to Winneshiek County:
