The Decorah Human Rights Commission Sets Public Forum For Separation Ordinance

We hike Pulpit Rock for the views — and for the stories waiting at the top. Support Decorah News today. DECORAH — The Decorah Human Rights Commission voted Tuesday night to hold a public forum next month with Decorah Community for Immigrant Rights after months of calls from residents urging the commission to take action on a proposed "separation ordinance" related to immigration enforcement. The commission approved June 16 for the meeting after several community members criticized delays in scheduling the forum during public comment at Tuesday's meeting. "We'd like to leave today's meeting with a date in hand," DCIR member Joshua Ratel-Khan told commissioners. Commissioners voted unanimously to set the June 16 meeting date after discussing members' availability and DCIR's preferred timing. The forum is expected to focus on the proposed ordinance, which advocates say would create a clearer separation between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement efforts. One speaker, Mariah McCain, accused the commission of "stalling" on the issue. "While institutions stall, people wait, families wait, communities wait," McCain said. "I believe that five months is a long time to hesitate on whether people deserve to be heard." Ratel-Khan told commissioners that immigrant families in Iowa are living in fear amid increased deportation concerns and argued that local governments should act to protect residents. "The separation ordinance is one concrete thing that Decorah can do," he said. "We draw a hard line between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement." Former commissioner Melissa Koch urged the commission to support the proposed immigration-related ordinance and described it as necessary in the current political climate. "We are living in times where our federal government is not a welcoming place for immigrants. Iowa is not a welcoming place," Koch said. "On our books, we have said that all are welcome in Decorah, and so it is time to make that heard." Your inbox, upgraded! Subscribe for free and enjoy handpicked stories, helpful advice, and local insights delivered weekly.