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Iowa Democratic lawmakers launch Black and Brown Caucus to advance equity-focused policies
Expanded group proposes bills banning ICE detentions in certain locations, and prohibiting agents from hiding their faces
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DES MOINES — Black Democratic state lawmakers are expanding their caucus to include other racial minorities in the Legislature, the group announced Monday.
The Iowa Legislative Black and Brown Caucus, which includes 12 Democratic members between the House and Senate, will be focused on advancing legislation that protects civil rights, ensures fair treatment in the justice system and promotes equity in housing and education through collaborative work.
Democratic state Rep. Ruth Ann Gaines, of Des Moines, said lawmakers formed the Legislative Black Caucus in 2015 with the goal of eliminating discrimination in the state by proposing legislation to secure equality for all Iowans.
During a press conference Monday at the Iowa Capitol, she said they decided to expand the caucus to include more voices of other lawmakers.
“Our vision has expanded, and we want to specifically embrace brown Iowans. They have the experience of being seriously discriminated against, and they are the largest minority in the state,” Gaines said. “Following much discussion, debate and long deliberation, we unanimously decided to join together and have a larger, more diverse team to address equality and inequality in Iowa, which differs with every single individual.”
Democratic state Rep. Rob Johnson, of Des Moines, said the caucus intends to make sure all Iowans are represented in the Legislature and feel like they have a seat at the table.
“Black and brown Iowans have felt the consequences of decisions made without them in thought, let me be clear to start this,” Johnson said. “This caucus is not symbolic. This is not performative unity. This is about direct power policy and the response and the responsibility that each of us holds with the offices of being state reps and state senators in this building.”
In response to immigration crackdowns in Minnesota by federal officers, which have resulted in the fatal shootings of two people, the lawmakers announced a slate of bills to ensure the rights of Iowans are protected. The proposals include banning Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehension and detention in courthouses, schools and churches; prohibiting ICE agents from concealing their identity; and ensuring Iowans receive “due process and constitutional protections.”
Democratic state Rep. Angel Ramirez, of Cedar Rapids, who also is the first Latina elected to the Iowa Legislature, said the package of bills, named the Protect the American Dream Act, would ensure Iowans are treated with “dignity and respect.”
“Iowans across every political party, every faith, every corner of our state, are watching ICE operations in Minnesota with deep concern and heartbreak. Here in Iowa, we've seen our own neighbors unlawfully targeted, violently torn from their jobs and their families and disappeared without a trace,” Ramirez said. “Today, I want to talk about the American dream to achieve safety, dignity, joy, opportunity and freedom. We all want these things for ourselves and our loved ones, for our kids. The American Dream belongs to everyone.”
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