Reynolds Supports Ban on Sanctuary Cities, Injects Issue Into Re-election Campaign

As Iowa lawmakers consider legislation to outlaw so-called sanctuary cities, Governor Kim Reynolds is using the issue in a fundraising appeal.   

In a fundraising letterto supporters,  the Reynolds re-election campaign warns that Des Moines and Iowa City are moving in the direction of becoming sanctuaries to protect undocumented immigrants. 

She asks supporters to join the effort to ban sanctuaries, and stand with her for the rule of law.

At her weekly news conference,  Reynolds said sheltering undocumented immigrants who  have broken the law is not right.   

“If an individual has come here illegally and if they have made the choice to break the law, then they should be held accountable,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds urges supporters to contribute to her campaign to “send  a message  to far-left liberals in  Iowa City and Des Moines.”   

Iowa City has an ordinance preventing the city from using local funds to enforce immigration laws.   Under Des Moines Public Schools policy, federal inquiries about a student’s status are funneled through the superintendent’s office.    The policy also bars staff from asking students about their immigration status.

The bill to penalize local governments that shelter undocumented immigrants has passed the Senate and cleared an initial hurdle in the GOP-controlled House.  

“Stand with the rule of law today with a donation of $10, $15, or $25 to my campaign,” the fundraising letter said.