Iowa Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Josh Turek has spent his campaign casting himself as a “common-sense” moderate and a “prairie populist” who can win over “Iowans of all political stripes.” But his own official legislative newsletter tells a different story on immigrationâone that includes direct advice for illegal immigrants on how to avoid detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Turek, a state representative since 2023, is running against Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson for the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA). The Obama-endorsed Democrat has leaned into a bipartisan appeal, yet his record in the Iowa Houseâand the contents of his taxpayer-funded newsletterâsuggest his positions may be further left than his campaign messaging implies.
Newsletter Touts ACLU Tips on Avoiding ICE
In a section of Turek’s official legislative newsletter titled “Know Your Rights as an Immigrant,” the lawmaker pointed readers to the American Civil Liberties Union’s (ACLU) “Immigrants’ Rights” page, which provides guidance on what to do if approached by immigration enforcement. The newsletter text reads:
Given the recent policy changes enacted by the Trump administration on both legal and illegal immigrants, I wanted to provide a thorough list of your rights and how they apply in different scenarios. The ACLU is a great resource that provides tips on what to do in various situations. Please click here to read more.
The inclusion of such guidanceâpublished in an official legislative communicationâstands in sharp contrast to Turek’s moderate self-presentation. The ACLU’s immigrants’ rights resources have been widely criticized by immigration enforcement advocates for advising individuals on tactics to avoid apprehension, including not answering questions and refusing to consent to searches.
Pathway to Citizenship and Welfare for Illegal Immigrants
Turek has also repeatedly called for “an easier pathway to citizenship” for illegal immigrantsâfirst in April and again this month in an interview with the Cedar Rapids Gazette. That position aligns with progressive advocacy groups but cuts against the “common-sense” label Turek has embraced.
In the Iowa legislature, Turek voted to support taxpayer-funded welfare benefits for illegal immigrants, despite his campaign later claiming he “opposes benefits for illegal immigrants.” The discrepancy has drawn attention from Republicans, who see Turek’s record as out of step with Iowa voters.
Additionally, Turek voted to restrict Iowa law enforcement from cooperating with ICE to deport dangerous illegal immigrants. He also missed a vote to verify the citizenship status of Iowa votersâa move Hinson’s campaign seized on in July.
Hinson Campaign: ‘He Doesn’t Care About Election Integrity’
The missed citizenship verification vote became a flashpoint in the campaign. Billy Fuerst, communications director for Hinson’s campaign, said at the time: “Josh Turek would side with Chuck Schumer and Far-Left Democrats against commonsense voter ID and election security. Turek skipping a vote to verify the citizenship status of Iowa voters tells you everything you need to know â he doesn’t care about election integrity.”
The criticism extends beyond immigration. Turek missed 261 Iowa House votes between January 12 and May 3ânearly 60 percent of the chamber’s votes during that periodâincluding measures on rural health, medical licensing, and education standards. The Iowa House chief clerk confirmed that Turek nonetheless collected $20,100 in legislative per diem payments during that stretch.
Other Votes: DEI Restrictions and Tax Cuts
Turek also voted against three measures restricting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in Iowa’s public schools and universities, passed between April 2024 and May 2025. Those bills prohibited public universities from employing DEI officers, barred colleges from requiring DEI- or critical-race-theory-related coursework for graduation, and prevented state funding from supporting DEI offices in higher education and K-12 schools.
On taxes, Turek previously called for repealing the Working Families Tax Cutsâlegislation that included provisions on taxing tips, overtime, and Social Security. During a Democrat primary debate, he said: “We’ve got to overturn the big beautiful bill.” He has voiced support for a federal Farm Bill but notably did not vote on similar state legislation while serving in the Iowa House.
Campaign Defends Record
Turek’s campaign has defended his overall record, saying he “will work with anyone to get things done for Iowans” and citing his work with Republicans to cut taxes and keep dangerous criminals off the streets. But the newsletter guidance and his voting history on immigration and election integrity measures are likely to remain central issues as the general election against Hinson intensifies.
With control of the Senate in play, Turek’s attempt to run as a pragmatic moderate may be undermined by his own legislative paper trailâone that shows support for policies favored by the left on immigration, benefits for illegal immigrants, and limits on ICE cooperation.
As the campaign heads into the fall, voters in Iowa will have to weigh Turek’s self-described “common-sense” approach against the specifics of his record, now amplified by his own official communications.
Source: www.breitbart.com â https://www.breitbart.com/midterm-election/2026/08/26/iowa-dem-josh-turek-advised-illegal-immigrants-how-to-avoid-ice-detainment-in-official-newsletter/