ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit today maintained a temporary injunction against SF 2340, an Iowa immigration law widely criticized as one of the state’s most extreme.
Passed during Iowa’s 2024 legislative session, the law was halted by federal courts shortly after taking effect. Legal challenges argued it conflicts with federal immigration authority and could have severe consequences—including criminalizing reentry for individuals, even children, who had previously been deported but now hold legal status.
The Eighth Circuit agreed with a lower court’s ruling that SF 2340 is likely unconstitutional, ordering the block to remain in place as litigation proceeds.
Legal Challenges and Advocacy Response
Two lawsuits sought to invalidate the law: one filed by the U.S. Department of Justice and another by a coalition including the American Immigration Council (AIC), ACLU of Iowa, and Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice (Iowa MMJ). The suits argued the law overstepped state power and endangered immigrant communities.
Emma Winger, AIC deputy legal director, warned that similar state-led immigration crackdowns threaten to destabilize federal enforcement. “Empowering states to bypass federal law is unconstitutional and creates chaos,” she said.
Erica Johnson of Iowa MMJ condemned SF 2340 as “inhumane,” noting it could deport long-term residents—including those with legal status—disrupting families and communities.
Broader Implications
The ruling aligns with prior court decisions rejecting state interference in immigration policy. Spencer Amdur of the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project emphasized, “States can’t strip rights guaranteed under federal law, like asylum.”
Rita Bettis Austen, ACLU of Iowa’s legal director, called SF 2340 “the worst anti-immigrant law in state history,” praising the injunction as a safeguard for vulnerable families.
The case continues as Iowa officials may appeal. For now, the law remains suspended, sparing thousands from potential arrest or deportation.
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