Iowa House Representative Ken Croken, plans to hold community sessions where residents can learn their rights before Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are patrolling the Quad Cities streets.
The Davenport Democrat who represents the state’s 97th district, said he was devastated by the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good shot by an ICE agent in Minnesota on January 7th.
“I believe it is only a matter of time before federal agents will look at this community. And I believe that it would be only prudent for us to take time now to prepare for that day in order to minimize the chance of violence and serious injury, or, God help us, fatalities,” Rep. Croken said in a press conference on Friday, January 9th.
“We were assured that this mass deportation would be aimed at the worst of the worst. It was going to be aimed at murderers, rapists, child predators. Instead, we find ourselves grieving for a 37-year-old mom in Minneapolis. This is not right. And we need to take action as a community now to ensure a similar tragedy doesn't occur here.”
Rep. Croken is inviting Chicago Alderwoman Jessie Fuentes (26th Ward) to speak to residents.
“[W]ho herself made national news back in October when she was manhandled, handcuffed and forcibly removed from a hospital in Chicago for asserting the rights of one of her constituents by requesting a warrant for an arrest. That was again, unnecessary, but reflective of the tactics of the current administration”
Rep. Croken will hold a community session on Saturday, January 24, at 10 a.m. at the St. Anthony Catholic Church Parish Hall in Davenport. Attendees can expect to hear ways to respond to being detained, understanding their rights and how to work together to minimize harm to the community.
Separately, the Iowa representative is planning to push two bills during the 91st General Assembly.
“I have introduced two bills on immigration. One would ban the use of masks for federal agents in the operation of their routine duties and responsibilities. I've also introduced a bill that would ban the apprehension and detention of people in courthouses, churches, and schools.”
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