DES MOINES, Iowa — Sen. Joni Ernst’s 10th annual Roast and Ride took place on Saturday featuring prominent Republican figures such as Secretary Kristi Noem, Gov. Kim Reynolds and Rep. Ashley Hinson.

The event, which included a motorcycle ride and a barbecue, was held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds and supported the Blue Star Mothers of Iowa. Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem, who rode alongside Joni Ernst, served as the keynote speaker.

Among the guest speakers were Sen. Chuck Grassley, Rep. Ashley Hinson, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Rep. Randy Feenstra. Throughout the event each spoke addressing immigration enforcement, the ongoing government shutdown and the ongoing DMPS and Ian Roberts legal actions.

Rep. Ashley Hinson criticized the Senate Minority Leader for the shutdown, emphasizing the impact on various groups, including veterans and border patrol agents.

“If he doesn’t get his way, here’s who he hurts; moms who count on nutrition assistance, who are struggling paycheck to paycheck. He hurts our veterans. He hurts our seniors. He hurts our troops, our border patrol agents, the very people who work every single day to keep our country safe. They would have had to go without. So that’s unacceptable,” Hinson said.

As the government shutdown continues federal employees, which includes servicewomen and men, are continuing without pay while others are furloughed. During the event, President Trump shared that all available funds would go towards paying troops.

“We have to remember that these men and women, many of them will deploy. They are out there serving for the United States. So, just like the national guardsmen we have overseas, we have to make sure they’re paid,” Sen. Ernst said.

Ernst also spoke on Presidents Trumps actions to secure the border and thanked ICE agents for their ongoing work to make sure “dangerous criminals” are detained. Ernst mentioned the recent detainment of former DMPS superintendent Ian Roberts.

“We have an illegal immigrant with a criminal record running the Des Moines Public School system, and this is what happens when you worry more about their state, not mine. Diversifying staff and then hiring the right person for the job. I’m grateful to our brave ICE agents for ensuring this dangerous criminal no longer has access to our children. They are not. Thanks to the swift actions of the Trump administration and, my dear friend, Governor Kim Reynolds. Thank you so much. This is being investigated, and there will be accountability.”

This year’s Roast and Ride marked the last for Joni Ernst, as she announced she is not seeking re-election. Ernst’s seat will be on the November 2026 ballot with several Iowa politicians already announcing their bid for the seat.