As AP reports, Iowa state officials are quietly pressuring schools, nonprofits, and other institutions to hand over confidential information on undocumented migrants — and it needs to stop now.

According to state Rep. Elinor Levin, at least 10 public and private entities in Iowa have received directives from the state demanding they share personal data.

Additionally, Migrant Movement for Justice in Iowa is under attack as well - but they are resisting the lawmakers requests. 

Some are educational institutions. Many don’t even work directly with immigrant communities — but they’re being pulled into a dangerous political agenda anyway.

This is government overreach, plain and simple.

No institution should be forced to violate trust or risk the safety of students and families just to comply with politically motivated investigations. These efforts undermine privacy, intimidate communities, and erode the basic principles of fairness and due process.

We call on Iowa state officials to immediately end all requests for confidential information related to immigration status.

Stop targeting institutions — including schools — for data on undocumented migrants. Protect the right of all Iowans to access services, education, and support without fear.

Helping people is not a threat — it’s a duty.

Photograph: Charlie Neibergall/AP