State Lawsuit Against Sheriff Dan Marx Dismissed

DES MOINES, Iowa—Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced Friday that the state will drop its lawsuit against Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx, citing the county's compliance with Iowa's law restricting sanctuary policies. The lawsuit stemmed from Sheriff Marx's refusal to take down a Facebook post about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and replace it with a message drafted by the attorney general's office. The conflict escalated in February when Governor Kim Reynolds submitted a formal complaint to Bird's office. The attorney general then filed suit in March, accusing Marx of failing to enforce Iowa Code Section 27A, which bars cities and counties that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities from receiving state funds. "Given that Winneshiek County has now fully complied with 27A, the state law prohibiting sanctuary cities and counties from receiving taxpayer funds, the state is dismissing the lawsuit to enforce 27A," AG Bird said. "Winneshiek County and Sheriff Marx are in compliance with 27A. They have committed to continue to honor ICE detainers and cooperate with federal immigration authorities." Sheriff Marx provided an official statement : "Recently I had a face-to-face meeting with Attorney General Bird. During our meeting, I explained it was never my intent to discourage immigration enforcement. We have always complied with ICE detainers and will continue to comply with Iowa code section 27A and encourage immigration enforcement under our written policies. Attorney General Bird has informed Winneshiek County that the lawsuit is no longer necessary given compliance with Iowa code section 27A. After the face-to-face meeting, Attorney General Bird dismissed the State's lawsuit. I thank the people of Winneshiek County for their patience and outpouring of support through this situation." This is a developing story. Check back with DecorahNews.com for more updates!