On October 19, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court requested the U.S. Solicitor General's input on whether to review a lower court ruling blocking an Iowa law that empowers state officials to arrest previously deported immigrants. The legal action follows appeals by Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird. Concurrently, federal courts continue to weigh state and federal authority over immigration enforcement, including the October 15 dismissal of a federal lawsuit against New York City's sanctuary laws.
Supreme Court appeal on Iowa law
- ▪Iowa is appealing an 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision that blocked Iowa's 2024 immigration law allowing state officials to arrest and prosecute people illegally in the United States.
- ▪On October 19, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court requested the U.S. Solicitor General's views on whether to review the lower court ruling blocking Iowa's 2024 immigration arrest law.
- ▪Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird's office submitted a petition arguing that Iowa's 2024 immigration law supplements federal enforcement and that the plaintiffs lack standing to sue.
Iowa immigration law legal challenge
- ▪The 2024 Iowa immigration law makes it a state crime for any individual to enter Iowa who has been previously deported or denied entry to the United States.
- ▪The lawsuit against Iowa's 2024 immigration arrest law was brought by advocacy group Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice and two state residents who were lawful permanent residents previously deported or removed.
Federal challenges to local immigration laws
- ▪Federal courts in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minnesota have thrown out similar federal lawsuits challenging local sanctuary policies over the last two years.
- ▪Former President Joe Biden's administration previously sued Iowa, Texas, and other states over state immigration enforcement laws, whereas President Donald Trump's administration has supported state immigration enforcement efforts.
Ruling on New York City sanctuary laws
- ▪U.S. District Judge Ramón E. Reyes Jr. ruled that federal law does not obligate states or cities to participate in federal immigration enforcement or use local resources for civil immigration laws.
- ▪U.S. District Judge Ramón E. Reyes Jr. dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Trump administration challenging New York City's sanctuary laws on October 15, 2026.
Story comments
Loading comments…