A controversial Iowa immigration law is the topic of candlelight vigils across four major cities in Iowa, including Davenport, on Wednesday, May 1.
In a concerted display of unity, resilience and resistance, the Latinx Immigrants of Iowa, Escucha Mi Voz, Forward Latino, LULAC Iowa, Obreros Católicos, Iglesia Reina de la Paz de Waterloo Iowa, and Quad Cities Interfaith are organizing the simultaneous vigils at 6:30 p.m. in Iowa City, Waterloo, Des Moines, and Davenport. They oppose enactment of the contentious bill SF 2340 by Gov. Kim Reynolds, due to take effect July 1, 2024.
The Latino community, advocates, and allies stand firm in declaring SF 2340 unconstitutional and antithetical to American values, according to a Tuesday press release.
“This bill isn’t just a piece of legislation; it’s an attack on our community’s very essence,” said Jose Alvarado from Latinx Immigrants of Iowa.
The Davenport vigil will be at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 417 N. Main St., Davenport, organized by Quad Cities Interfaith (641-990-2118).
“Our state thrives because of immigrant labor. This law is a step backward for everyone,” Mayra Hernandez from Quad Cities Interfaith, said in Tuesday’s release.
These peaceful vigils serve as a reference of solidarity, sending a resounding message that fear will not govern the lives and actions of the Latinx community in Iowa. With the rallying cry of “No Tenemos Miedo” – “We Are Not Afraid,” participants aim to galvanize public opinion and showcase the collective resolve to challenge and overcome this unconstitutional legislative hurdle, the release says.
The organizers emphasize that America’s immigration system is in dire need of repair and reform.
In a profound reflection of their faith and community values, the organizers express that silence in the face of injustice is not an option. The vigils invite Iowans from all walks of life to join hands peacefully in a demonstration of support and to convey the unwavering spirit of unity and the power of collective action.
When signing the bill into law on April 10, Gov. Reynolds said:
“The Biden Administration has failed to enforce our nation’s immigration laws, putting the protection and safety of Iowans at risk. Those who come into our country illegally have broken the law, yet Biden refuses to deport them. This bill gives Iowa law enforcement the power to do what he is unwilling to do: enforce immigration laws already on the books.”
“The Iowa Legislature has passed one of the most extreme, discriminatory, and unconstitutional anti-immigrant bills in the country, which is based on a Texas law that the courts have currently blocked,” Mark Stringer, ACLU of Iowa executive director, has said.
“This law, which is set to go into effect on July 1, 2024, authorizes police to arrest people based on their federal immigration status and tells Iowa judges to order someone to be deported or jailed before they have an opportunity to seek humanitarian protection that they are entitled to,” he said.
“The Iowa law enforcement and state judges tasked with authority to carry out this outrageous law are not trained in immigration law and have no proper authority to enforce it. The law encourages and facilitates racial profiling and stereotyping,” Stringer said.
“It undermines—not promotes—public safety and the rule of law. It will consume already strapped state court and law enforcement resources. This law is designed to wreak havoc in Iowa families and communities; it threatens Iowans who are citizens and noncitizens alike.”
You can read the complete bill HERE.
