Democrats in Dallas County are standing up against a bill that would have law enforcement sign agreements with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE).

According to a press release from Dallas County Democrat Chair Tom Walton, the agreements with House Study Bill 187 would allow ICE to delegate local law enforcement authority to enforce federal immigration laws. The release states that a federal push from ICE for mass deportations could put pressure on departments to go through sweeps of workplaces, school functions, and churches in their communities. 

Former Dallas County Republican Chair Kelley Koch tells Raccoon Valley Radio that there’s been an increase in illegal immigrants entering the state as well as the rise of fentanyl drugs and sex trafficking. She explains that the uptick is not only in Iowa, but throughout the Midwest, pointing to Interstate 35, which runs from Texas up to Minnesota. Koch comments that she knows Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante personally and has full confidence that he’ll take the best legal course of action.

According to Walton, the Dallas County Democrats are worried that the enforcement actions will affect more than non-citizens with serious criminal convictions. He stresses that Democrats want to protect residents in Dallas County, and throughout Iowa.