DES MOINES, Iowa — One law that will no longer be going into effect on July 1 is the law that allows state law enforcement to file criminal charges against people who have previously been denied reentry into the state or are facing deportation orders.
Advocates say the injunction on this law was important because of the fears the law was bringing to the immigrant community.
"It's been terrible," said Joe Henry, state political director for League of United Latin American Citizens of Iowa (LULAC) "People were wondering 'what are we going to have to do,' 'are we going to have to move before this law takes effect.'"
Local law enforcement said it didn't receive any guidance on how to enforce the law, adding that it has now become a waiting game.
"This particular legislation has created a lot of concern in our community, and there's still a lot of unanswered questions," said Chief of Marshalltown Police, Michael Tupper.
Immigration lawyers said all they can do right now is educate their clients, but also weighed in on the implications if this law were to take effect.
"To uphold that, it would invite just all manner of complications and slowdowns and what have you," said Christian Stickrod, associate immigration attorney, Barten Law, P.C..
Henry said that this is just the first step, and advocates want to continue sending a message. The message being the economic impact in the agriculture sector immigrants bring to the community.
"I think it's important for Iowans to realize how much work, how much effort, how much of a contribution that immigrants do," Henry said.
Law enforcement also emphasized its message as it waits to navigate the next steps, whether it is required to enforce the law or not.
"We just want to make sure that the message to our community remains that it's still safe to call the police, you should call the police, we're all in this together and we all need to work together to keep our community safe," Tupper said.