The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit has upheld a temporary block on Iowa's SF 2340, a controversial immigration law passed during the 2024 legislative session. The law was challenged soon after its passage and was temporarily blocked by the courts due to conflicts with federal law.
SF 2340 introduces new crimes for individuals in Iowa who have reentered the country after deportation, even if they are now authorized to be in the U.S. The appeals court agreed with a lower court's ruling that the law is unconstitutional and should remain blocked while litigation continues.
Two lawsuits were filed against SF 2340, one by the U.S. Department of Justice and another by organizations including the American Immigration Council, ACLU of Iowa, and national ACLU, representing Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice and immigrants it assists.
Emma Winger from the American Immigration Council stated, “Across the country right now, immigrant families are living in fear. Thankfully, for now, communities in Iowa don't have to worry about this cruel law." She emphasized concerns over states attempting to pass similar laws that disrupt federal immigration enforcement.
Erica Johnson of Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice criticized SF 2340 as "incredibly inhumane," highlighting its potential impact on peaceful residents who may face deportation despite having authorization to stay in the U.S.
Spencer Amdur from ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project remarked that states should not regulate immigration or infringe upon rights protected under federal law. He affirmed continued efforts against such state-level legislation.
Rita Bettis Austen from ACLU of Iowa described SF 2340 as "the worst anti-immigrant legislation" in Iowa's history. She noted that it endangers people with lawful status and praised the court's decision to maintain an injunction protecting immigrant families.
The ruling remains accessible for public review.
