Davenport’s city council has embraced some of the widespread outrage among Quad City residents over the fatal ICE shootings in Minneapolis by formally asserting its police department’s autonomy in respect to working with federal law enforcement.
On Wednesday, the City Council unanimously approved a position paper opposing Republican legislation in the Iowa House that would require local law enforcement to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
Alderwoman At-Large Jazmin Newton led the effort, arguing that the bill threatens local autonomy and could impact community trust and safety.
“From my perspective, such law, if passed, will subvert local control from municipalities and can have other unintended consequences for our police department and for our community,” Newton said.
The Issue Paper highlights the Davenport Police Department’s role in protecting public safety, emphasizing a commitment to maintaining public trust with positive and meaningful interactions between police and the community.
Alderwoman Newton’s effort comes amid widespread criticism across the U.S. of ICE’s aggressive enforcement operations, especially in Minneapolis where federal agents fatally shot two citizens earlier this month. Eight people have reportedly died this year – either killed by ICE agents or while in federal custody.
The amendment passed with unanimous approval from the Council, and was met with loud approval from the crowd of attendees.
“I hope that we stand with our brothers and sisters from all over the world that Davenport can really be a leader in the state in saying that we will watch over our own,” Sixth Ward resident Joanie Demmer said.
Some residents say more action is still needed. Fourth Ward resident Cassandra Erwin urged city leaders to develop a clearer plan if ICE becomes active in Davenport.
“I do encourage the City Council to take a more serious approach and a more thoughtful approach, because as great as that was and as encouraged as I am, it’s not quite enough,” Erwin said. “We need to have a strategic plan going forward as to what the city will do if ICE does come here.”
Following public comment, multiple Alderpersons asked the Davenport police department to begin developing a strategic plan in the event of local ICE presence.
Issue Paper 26-05 now goes to the Iowa State Legislature as an official record of the city’s concerns.
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