Controversy Surrounds Josh Turek’s Immigration Comments
Josh Turek, the Iowa Democrat running for the U.S. Senate and backed by former President Obama, recently stated that undocumented immigrants shouldn’t face immediate deportation. This remark came during an interview with NBC News anchor Tom Llamas, where Turek mistakenly associated Republican Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Randy Feenstra with the Dignity Act, a measure aimed at creating a pathway to legal status for certain undocumented individuals.
Turek, who is contesting the Senate seat currently held by retiring Senator Joni Ernst, responded to Llamas’ inquiry about the deportation of individuals who enter the U.S. illegally. “If you come here illegally, should you be deported? I agree with Representative Nunn and Miller-Meeks and Feenstra in the Dignity Act that there should be a pathway available for you—if you’re willing to pass a background check,” Turek said.
Llamas interrupted to clarify, “So that’s a no?”
Turek replied, “Not an immediate deportation. What I will say is I think there should be a pathway to earn citizenship for people that have come here legally, but the system is completely broken.”
While Turek connected Reps. Zach Nunn, Miller-Meeks, and Feenstra to the Dignity Act, it’s important to note that neither Miller-Meeks nor Feenstra is a cosponsor of the initiative.
These comments surfaced as Miller-Meeks has been emphasizing immigration enforcement in her campaign against Democrat Christina Bohannan, a law professor at the University of Iowa. Following a debate this week, Miller-Meeks declared that “The border is closed, criminals are being deported, and benefits for illegal aliens are cut off. Christina Bohannan would undo all of it.”
Bohannan has previously opposed Iowa’s Back the Blue Act, which was introduced in response to social unrest in 2020. This law increased penalties for rioting and certain protest-related offenses, among other changes aimed at protecting law enforcement personnel. Bohannan, who chaired the University of Iowa Law School’s diversity, equity, and inclusion committee in 2020, has been vocal about her support for movements that aim to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and establish sanctuary cities.
In March, Miller-Meeks introduced legislation to establish English as the official language of the United States, promoting the idea that this would enhance national unity and provide economic advantages. “By making English the official language, we will build cohesion in America united by a common language and reap economic benefits,” she claimed.
The Dignity Act, introduced by Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, has sparked opposition from immigration enforcement advocates. Critics have described the proposal as “amnesty for millions of illegal aliens” and argued that it lacks real immigration reform. The Center for Immigration Studies estimated it could lead to amnesty for approximately 12 million individuals, plus an additional five million over the next decade.
Specific provisions within the legislation have also drawn criticism. Some commentators argue that certain sections effectively halt deportations by ICE and create loopholes for undocumented immigrants who apply for the Dignity program. Others pointed out that the proposed changes would lower processing times for asylum seekers and increase visa caps.
In response to accusations that the Dignity Act constitutes amnesty, Salazar defended the legislation, asserting it prioritizes enforcement and aims to protect American workers. She characterized any claims of amnesty as a misrepresentation of the bill.
Recently, Turek has consistently called for more accessible pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, mentioning his views in interviews and his campaign communications. His legislative newsletter has provided resources about immigrants’ rights, although this has led to allegations of him encouraging immigrants to evade deportation. Turek has fought back against these claims.
During a recent debate, Hinson, Turek’s Republican opponent, criticized him for advocating for undocumented immigrants, referencing the tragic case of Sarah Root, who was killed by an undocumented driver. Hinson asserted that Turek’s support for the Dignity Act would risk increased illegal immigration into the country.
Turek denied allegations that he encourages avoiding deportation, calling it a false claim, and the debate left the two candidates at odds on key immigration issues. Hinson warned that supporting Turek would mean endorsing policies that could weaken law enforcement’s efforts in dealing with illegal immigration.
Amidst the political back-and-forth, a recent Turek campaign advertisement featuring local law enforcement has drawn attention. It included endorsements from some Democrats who had previously expressed reservations about cooperating with ICE, illustrating the complex and often contentious landscape of immigration politics in Iowa.
