The Iowa House has passed a bill supporters say could make it easier to prosecute human traffickers and another that would make human smuggling a state crime. Legislators cited a lawsuit recently filed by six Guatemalans who say they were recruited to work at an egg processing facility in Clarion, then threatened with a gun and with deportation for complaining about overtime work and their pay. Republican Representative Mark Thompson of Clarion says it happened in his county and it’s time to hammer those who exploit vulnerable people.
The House unanimously passed the bill which removes the requirement an ongoing relationship must be present for someone to be charged with human trafficking. The other bill, which passed on a 75 to 14 vote, would make it a state crime to hide or shelter someone who is violating federal immigration laws and take something of value — like money — to help them enter or stay in the U-S. Representative Steven Holt, a Republican from Denison guided a similar bill through the House last year, but senators did not consider it.
Representative Lindsay James, a Democrat from Dubuque, says there are concerns the bill is written too broadly and Iowans offering food or shelter to victims of human smuggling might be charged with a crime.
Despite those concerns, James voted for the bill.
