In Des Moines, Iowa, a group dedicated to immigrant advocacy is resisting a state lawmakerโs request for confidential information about its clients, donors, and members. This request is seen as part of a broader national trend of heightened scrutiny on immigration. The nonprofit, Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice (Iowa MMJ), received this request on February 24 from Rep. Charley Thomson, who heads the state House government oversight committee. In response, Iowa MMJโs attorney rebuffed the request on April 18, describing it as legally indefensible and suggestive of procedural misuse.
Erica Johnson, Iowa MMJโs executive director, communicated to the organizationโs members that efforts to silence them would not succeed, emphasizing their rights and collective strength. The incident has seen the organization defy what they perceive as intimidation intended to clamp down on their operations amid intensified immigration enforcement nationwide.
The request for personal information is situated within the wider context of reinforced immigration regulations under former President Donald Trumpโs administration, supported by Republican governors. This general atmosphere has fostered unease in immigrant communities. Despite the pressures, Iowa MMJ has been steadfast in advocating for immigration rights at the state legislature.
The organization previously protested against legislative proposals, including a bill obliging local police to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Johnson noted the wave of threats faced by nonprofits, stating, โIt seems like everyday we say to ourselves, โOh my God, how could it get worse?โ And then it does.โ Despite acknowledging the risks, the group is committed to resisting measures they deem to infringe on their rights.
The House government oversight committeeโs authority extends to conducting detailed reviews of governmental issues, and they can pursue investigations requiring evidence or witness subpoenas with chamber approval. However, no such resolution has surfaced concerning Iowa MMJ, raising questions about the inquiryโs legitimacy. A letter from Thomson hinted that Iowa MMJ possesses material pertinent to the investigation, warning of possible penalties for non-cooperation.
Rep. Elinor Levin, a Democrat on the committee, criticized the directive as an overreach and questioned its relevance given the critical state of immigration affairs. The directive also attempted to prohibit Iowa MMJ from disclosing this request, a move Levin described as an intimidation tactic.
Thomsonโs request called for a disclosure of legal services rendered by Iowa MMJ and the donors and membersโ identities. However, Iowa MMJ maintains compliance with standard reporting obligations set by the IRS and state authorities, without being required to disclose such sensitive information publicly.
Iowa MMJ, founded in 2020, serves as a membership-driven legal advocacy group for immigrants and refugees. With legal assistance centers in multiple Iowa locales and a history of contesting state immigration laws, the organization stands firm against what they identify as undue governmental overreach. Johnson questioned the committeeโs jurisdiction over a private nonprofit, challenging the basis of the inquiry.
In light of these developments, immigrant rights entities and their supporters continue to defend themselves against what they consider excessive and unwarranted scrutiny, reinforcing their commitment to advocacy in a politically charged environment.