FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Today I was contacted by a handful of citizens from Ida County inquiring about a story that was recently on a media outlet claiming Ida County is a sanctuary county regarding illegal immigration.
Unfortunately, this story has been propagated in the past and for some reason is being put out in the public domain again. I must say that it is extremely disheartening when misinformation is released for public consumption.

I want to state for the record, in the most emphatic manner possible, that Ida County is NOT a sanctuary county! We never have been a sanctuary county, and we never will be a sanctuary county!

Iowa code section 27A specifically deals with the enforcement of immigration laws, and the responsibilities of local law enforcement in the State of Iowa when dealing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Each law enforcement agency in Iowa is required, under Iowa code section 27A, to have formal written policies that are consistent with that code.

Specifically, Iowa code 27A spells out how local law enforcement must handle a "detainer" when issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

ICE detainers are referred to as an I-247 form. These forms are nothing more than a request from Immigration and Customs Enforcement to a local agency to hold an illegal alien in custody. The I-247 form is also accompanied by either an I-200 or I-205 form.

I want to assure the public that the Ida County Sheriff's Office DOES have a written policy in our corrections manual that deals with the handling of immigration detainers. The policy specifically references Iowa code section 27A. Our policy is legal, defensible and fully complies with our requirements under Iowa law.

As the Sheriff of Ida County, I would never do anything that would jeopardize the safety of our citizens. Your safety has been, and will be, my guiding light when making decisions that affect your Sheriff's Office.

I have spent my entire career committed to the rule of Law! That will not change.

If you have any other questions or concerns about this topic, or any topic pertaining to law enforcement please feel free to reach out to me.

I can be reached at (712) 364-3146 or by email at: wharriman@idacountysheriff.us

Wade A. Harriman
Ida County Sheriff