Judge Sets July 18 Hearing in AG's Case Against Sheriff Marx

Your support keeps truth alive in Decorah—donate to local news today! DES MOINES, Iowa — A Polk County judge will hear arguments July 18 on whether to dismiss a high-profile lawsuit that could strip Winneshiek County of state funding over its sheriff's stance on immigration enforcement. The hearing is set for 9 a.m. at the Polk County Courthouse in Des Moines. Attorneys will argue two motions: one seeking to dismiss the case and another requesting a change of venue. Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx plans to attend but is not expected to testify. The hearing will involve arguments presented solely by attorneys. The case, brought by Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, accuses Marx of violating Iowa Code Chapter 27A by discouraging cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The lawsuit stems from a Feb. 4 Facebook post in which Marx said his office would reject immigration detainer requests unless they were vetted and approved by a court. Bird argues that even though Marx later deleted the post, he failed to publicly disavow it using language provided by her office. She maintains that the violation is ongoing and that the law requires the state to withhold funds from the county regardless of whether the conduct continues. "Just deleting the offending Facebook post was not, alone, enough to bring Marx back into compliance," Bird wrote in a court filing. Both Marx and Winneshiek County have asked to be dismissed from the case. Bird criticized the county's request, calling it "odd" given the potential loss of millions in state funding. The lawsuit was filed in March. A status conference on the case was held Thursday morning and concluded around 9 a.m. without any rulings issued. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Feed your curiosity! Subscribe to the free newsletter and indulge in all that's local. Your friends will be impressed.