Josh Turek Ad Features Sheriffs Tied to Sanctuary Policy
Iowa Senate candidate Josh Turek released a campaign advertisement highlighting two sheriffs who previously limited ICE cooperation.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Immigration
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Iowa Senate candidate Josh Turek has released a new television advertisement featuring Linn County Sheriff Brian Gardner and Story County Sheriff Paul Fitzgerald. Both law enforcement officials have historically implemented policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Why it matters
The advertisement links Turek to local sheriffs who have opposed federal immigration enforcement programs, including the 287(g) initiative. This development brings scrutiny to Turek’s record, which includes a vote for legislation providing state-funded welfare to illegal immigrants.
Linn County was officially designated as a sanctuary jurisdiction in 2025 by the Federation for American Immigration Reform. This follows the 2014 policy shift in both Linn and Story counties to cease holding inmates for federal immigration detainers.
The players
Josh Turek
He is an Iowa state senator currently campaigning as a candidate for the United States Senate.
Brian Gardner
He serves as the Sheriff of Linn County and has previously refused to join the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program.
Paul Fitzgerald
He serves as the Sheriff of Story County and ordered his jurisdiction to stop honoring ICE detainers in 2014.
Alejandro Mayorkas
He serves as the Secretary of Homeland Security and was the subject of an impeachment vote by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024.
The details
The campaign advertisement utilizes video segments of Sheriffs Brian Gardner and Paul Fitzgerald, both of whom have histories of defying federal immigration requests. In 2021, Fitzgerald notably supported the confirmation of then-DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who was later impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024.
Timeline
2014: Sheriffs in Linn and Story counties limited ICE cooperation.
January 2021: Sheriff Fitzgerald signed a letter supporting Alejandro Mayorkas.
2024: The U.S. House of Representatives impeached Alejandro Mayorkas.
2025: FAIR report listed Linn County as a sanctuary jurisdiction.
October 20, 2026: Josh Turek campaign released a new television advertisement.
Political Context
Opponents of the candidate argue that the advertisement aligns Turek with local policies that actively bypass federal immigration enforcement, specifically the 287(g) program. Critics contend that these sanctuary-style practices undermine national security efforts and contradict federal DHS mandates.
The advertisement forces Iowa voters to consider how candidate positions on local law enforcement cooperation affect state-level immigration policy. Residents may see increased debate over how state-funded welfare programs interact with federal immigration status requirements.
The takeaway
The advertisement highlights a strategic choice by the campaign to lean into the records of local law enforcement allies. Voters should evaluate whether the candidate's legislative history regarding state-funded welfare aligns with their personal views on immigration enforcement.
Further reading
For more background on regional policy, read our coverage on Iowa Immigration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Breitbart.
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