Graham issues statement on ACLU lawsuit challenging immigration law

County Attorney Kimberly Graham issued the following statement after the ACLU of Iowa and other plaintiffs named her as a defendant in a lawsuit challenging SF 2340:

“As a supporter of immigrants and the Latinx community in Iowa, it's important for me to tell you why I was named in a lawsuit about SF 2340 today. It was for procedural reasons and not because of any actions taken by me or the Polk County Attorney’s Office. Consequently, we will not actively participate in this lawsuit or spend the money of the people of Polk County defending this action. We will, of course, comply with any orders or rulings issued by the Court.

"The mission of the Polk County Attorney's office is to help create a safer, thriving community and to promote the safety of all, regardless of immigration status. Others in law enforcement, including police chiefs, have expressed concerns about the legislation’s enforcement and about it eroding the trust that has been built with our immigrant community members. This legislation will likely lead to crimes going unreported and to witnesses fearing speaking with law enforcement, which makes our communities less safe. I share those concerns. 

"We will work to keep everyone safe in Polk County whether you've lived here all your life, are documented or undocumented, or visiting for just a day. We will always support victims and witnesses and serve everyone in our community, regardless of immigration status."