Iowa AG investigates Sheriff Marx over immigration compliance

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has launched an investigation into Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx following a complaint from Governor Kim Reynolds regarding his refusal to comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer requests. Sheriff Marx publicly stated that his office would assist federal agents only if their actions align with constitutional standards, asserting he would block or interfere with requests that do not. In her complaint, Governor Reynolds emphasized that Iowa law mandates compliance with ICE detainers, warning that failure to do so could result in the loss of state funding. Bird confirmed the investigation, indicating that if the county is found in violation of the law, it could face civil lawsuits or funding penalties. The situation has sparked a debate over local law enforcement's role in federal immigration enforcement and constitutional rights. This unfolding conflict highlights the tension between state mandates and local agency discretion regarding immigration policies.