Under the Trump administration, ICE enforcement has intensified across the US with targeted arrests and increased activity in communities. This enforcement has led to major increases in arrests, and widespread fear.
This enforcement is reaching far beyond people with criminal convictions. In July, the majority of the approximately 49,000 people arrested by ICE had no criminal convictions or pending criminal charges, and less than 4% had a past violent criminal conviction.
Here in Iowa, ICE conducted at least 1,647 arrests that resulted in the person being detained, according to the Deportation Data Project. That number has more than quadrupled since 2024.
Here’s how to fight back against ICE and protect immigrant communities in Iowa:
Take Action: Sign a petition
The organizations below are leading efforts to stop ICE funding, halt detention expansion, and demand accountability from Congress. Each link includes ways to take action, such as signing petitions, sending messages, or calling lawmakers.
Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice
National Immigration Law Center: Demand Congress to Hold ICE Accountable
Church World Service: TELL CONGRESS: Stop Lawless Immigration Enforcement; We Must Pass Guardrails on ICE and CBP Abuses
American Civil Liberties Union: No More Funding for ICE
What Groups Are Demanding
Across these groups, organizations are calling Congress to:
- Refuse new funding for ICE and CBP
- Stop the expansion of immigration detention
- End mass enforcement and harmful arrest practices
- Use congressional oversight and budget authority to demand accountability
Call Your Representatives
If you oppose more funding for DHS, ICE, and Border Patrol, another action you can take is calling elected officials’ offices directly and telling your lawmakers to vote no on more funding.
Indivisible has put together a script to make it easier than ever to call your lawmakers.
Register to Vote
Use the tool below to verify your voter registration, find your polling place, and access important voting information. Already voted? Set reminders for future elections and share key voting details with your friends and family.
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