'Get it done, stand strong': Internet divided as Biden administration threatens to sue Iowa governor if state arrests, deports migrants

WASHINGTON, DC: The Biden administration cautioned both the state attorney general and Iowa's Republican governor, Kim Reynolds, on Friday, May 3, that legal measures would be pursued if the state moves forward with enforcing a recent law permitting the arrest of migrants previously denied entry or deported from the US.

Despite this warning, both officials have asserted they remain steadfast in their stance, as per the New York Post.

A Justice Department official deemed the policy illegal in a letter addressed to the governor of Iowa, giving the state until May 7 to halt enforcement of Senate File 2340, which Governor Reynolds signed into law earlier in the month.

Biden administration threatens to sue Iowa governor if state arrests and deports migrants

According to the Des Moines Register, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton wrote, "SF 2340 is preempted by federal law and violates the United States Constitution."

The DOJ official further remarked that the statute "effectively creates a separate state immigration scheme," and it "intrudes into a field that is occupied by the federal government and is preempted."

Boynton also asserted that the legislation clashes with the Immigration and Nationality Act and "with various provisions of federal law permitting noncitizens to seek protection from removal to avoid persecution or torture."

Starting from July 1, a newly enacted law in Iowa imposes a misdemeanor charge, potentially leading to up to two years in jail, for migrants who stay in the Hawkeye State despite having pending deportation orders, previous deportations, or prior bans from entering the US.

Additionally, if a person's previous removal orders were linked to misdemeanor convictions for drug offenses, crimes against persons, or any other felony convictions, the law elevates the charge to a felony.

According to the legislation, it is unlawful for law enforcement to conduct lawful arrests of suspected migrants in schools, hospitals, or places of worship.

Judges have the authority to grant those arrested the option to depart the country without facing charges. Additionally, judges may even order the removal of immigrants who have been convicted.

Signaling her intention to enforce the new law, Reynolds stated on X, "The only reason we had to pass this law is because the Biden Administration refuses to enforce the laws already on the books. I have a duty to protect the citizens of Iowa. Unlike the federal government, we will respect the rule of law and enforce it."

Moreover, Attorney General Brenna Bird wrote on X, "Not only has Biden refused to enforce federal immigration laws & secure our border, he is now threatening to block states like IA from enforcing our own laws. Our message to Biden is this: IA will not back down & stand by as our state’s safety hangs in the balance. If Biden refuses to stop the border invasion & keep our communities safe, IA will do the job for him."

Internet divided as Biden administration threatens to sue Iowa governor

People on the internet stayed divided with their opinions and had mixed reactions as the Biden administration threatened to sue the Iowa governor if the state arrests and deports migrants.

One person wrote on X, "Get it done, stand strong," while one added, "Sue fur what? Enforcing the law?" A person also said, "Great! Deport the commie administration!"

A user also stated, "Great! Stay strong!" whereas one mentioned, "Deport the illegals to Delaware if that is the case. Let Biden's home state deal with them."

A person added, "Watch their crime rate will drop. Good thing someone has the spine to lead the way on something that should have always been in place nationally!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.