Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is suing to strip funding from Winneshiek County after Sheriff Dan Marx pledged to “block, interfere, and interrupt” deportation operations tied to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers, which he claims are unconstitutional.

Bird, a Republican, argues that Marx’s refusal to cooperate with ICE detainers violates Iowa law, which requires local law enforcement to assist federal immigration authorities. Marx had publicly stated his position on detainers, calling them unconstitutional and warning residents to contact his office if they encounter federal agents.

Despite Marx’s claims, Bird’s investigation found that his office had complied with ICE detainers since 2018. After Marx refused to correct his statements, Bird filed the lawsuit, seeking to cut off state funding until the sheriff complies with state immigration law.