MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa — Local 5 continues to follow up on a new law signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds that gives local law enforcement across Iowa the authority to arrest or deport migrants.
Within the small city of Marshalltown, Mayor Joel Greer is proud of the diverse community and the relationship the police department has fostered with residents. However, Greer sees red flags with the new law that adds immigration enforcement responsibilities to an entity such as the Marshalltown Police Department
"I'm worried that this law is going to put a dent in that relationship," Greer said.
Marshalltown Police Chief Michael Tupper shares in the mayor's concerns while also worrying this law may deter people from contacting Marshalltown police.
"My primary concern is we don't want people to be afraid to call the police. If you're a victim of crime, it's safe to call the Marshalltown Police Department. As importantly, if you can help us solve a crime, we need you to call us," Tupper told Local 5.
Tupper isn't just worried about the impact on the city's residents, but is also struggling to understand how his 40 officers will be able to take on these new responsibilities.
"We don't have access to the databases we would need access to do that function ... where if somebody is detained for an immigration violation, where will they go? How will we deport them to their country of origin? Those questions are unanswered, and who's going to pay for it all that's unanswered as well?" Tupper said.
When it comes to the financial effects of the new law, Greer explained the city's police budget is already thin.
"The Legislature has been squeezing cities our size down in terms of our ability to be able to tax and use levees and that sort of thing. So this is yet another one of those things, it's going to put pressure on us," he said.
It's pressure that Tupper believes belongs on federal agencies.
"I don't think that we can solve the problem at the southern border, or solve the problems of immigration in this country from Des Moines, Iowa," Tupper added.
Although he doesn't agree with all of this law, Tupper said they will comply as it is the department's duty.
"I understand that I have a responsibility to enforce the law. I don't write the law. I don't get to choose which laws are enforced or don't enforce. We have a responsibility and we take that responsibility very seriously," he said.
The law takes effect July 1.