Iowa lawmakers have introduced House File 2041 (HF2041), a bill requiring all state and local law enforcement agencies and officers to cooperate and work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The measure, introduced in January 2026, mandates mandatory cooperation with federal immigration authorities upon request. It follows an earlier unsuccessful proposal, House Study Bill 187 (HSB187) from 2025, which required agencies to enter 287(g) agreements with ICE by January 1, 2026.

Supporters argue it strengthens public safety and aligns state efforts with federal immigration enforcement priorities.

Critics, including immigrant rights groups, call it overly broad and potentially harmful to community trust in police.

The bill is scheduled for subcommittee review on January 28, 2026.

Constitutionally, such state mandates are generally upheld: federal supremacy governs immigration, and states may require their officers to assist federal authorities (voluntary cooperation is permitted under Printz v. United States; states can impose their own requirements). No major rulings have invalidated similar laws. Potential Fourth Amendment challenges may arise in implementation, but the core requirement appears valid.