DCIR Presents 547 Signatures in Favor of Separation Ordinance to Human Right Commission

Our newsroom runs on more than coffee and craft beer — it runs on you. Support Decorah News' local reporting today. DECORAH — A packed meeting of the Decorah Human Rights Commission became a forum for an extended public discussion over immigration enforcement, local government authority and the role communities should play in supporting immigrant residents, as advocates urged commissioners to support a proposed ordinance aimed at limiting local involvement in federal immigration actions. Members of Decorah Community for Immigrant Rights (DCIR), students and local residents asked the commission to recommend adoption of what organizers are calling a "separation ordinance," a measure intended to create a clearer distinction between local government functions and federal immigration enforcement. The proposal comes amid continued national attention on immigration policy and concern within some immigrant communities about deportation efforts. Supporters told commissioners local governments can influence how federal immigration enforcement operates because many deportation cases begin with interactions between immigrants and local law enforcement agencies. "This ordinance is about protecting constitutional rights, protecting families and ensuring that local institutions remain accountable to the communities they serve," several speakers said in different forms during the meeting. Joshua Ratel-Khan of DCIR opened the presentation by describing the ordinance as part of a broader effort to reduce local participation in federal immigration enforcement. He cited data he said showed most ICE arrests in Iowa originate through local jail interactions, though commissioners did not review the underlying data during the meeting. The ordinance presented to commissioners contains a range of provisions aimed at limiting voluntary cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while increasing transparency around any interactions that do occur. Among the provisions discussed were requirements that detainees receive information about their rights in multiple languages, restrictions on collecting or sharing information about a person's birthplace or country of origin, limitations on voluntary cooperation with federal immigration authorities and prohibitions on transferring individuals directly from local custody to ICE custody. Supporters also proposed requiring federal immigration agents to clearly identify themselves as federal officials rather than local law enforcement officers and requiring local officers to intervene if constitutional rights are being violated. Advocates characterized the measure not as a challenge to public safety but as a framework intended to ensure due process protections and reduce the risk of residents being targeted based on immigration status. State Law Emerges as Central Question One of the most significant issues raised during the meeting involved Iowa Code Chapter 27A, the state's law prohibiting so-called "sanctuary city policies." Gabriel Eide, speaking on behalf of DCIR, acknowledged concerns that portions of the proposed ordinance could conflict with state law. Rather than avoiding the issue, he argued that local governments sometimes have an obligation to challenge laws they believe are unjust. Eide said fears of potential state funding penalties should not prevent communities from acting according to their values. He described the ordinance as a moral and civic response to concerns voiced by immigrant residents and their supporters. The legal questions surrounding the proposal surfaced repeatedly during discussions, reflecting one of the central tensions facing advocates: how far a local government can go in limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities while remaining compliant with state requirements. Organizers Point to Growing Public SupportAdvocates sought to show that support for the ordinance extends beyond a small activist group. Eide told commissioners organizers had gathered 547 signatures backing the proposal, presenting the petition as evidence that the issue resonates with a significant segment of the community. Supporters also highlighted concerns expressed by international students at Luther College, arguing that immigration enforcement policies affect not only undocumented immigrants but also students, legal residents and mixed-status families. Several speakers said uncertainty surrounding immigration policy can create fear even among individuals with legal status, particularly when enforcement actions appear unpredictable or when information about rights and legal protections is unclear. Public Testimony Focuses on History, Economics and Human ImpactThe public comment portion of the meeting included a wide range of arguments in support of the ordinance. One resident reflected on his family's immigration history from Greece and Italy, drawing comparisons between modern immigration debates and historical periods in Europe when governments targeted vulnerable populations. He urged residents to study historical examples of authoritarianism and remain vigilant against policies that could erode civil liberties. Others focused less on history and more on practical consequences. Rachael Button said local residents should not wait for state or federal political changes before taking action. Using a local environmental campaign as an example, she said communities can achieve meaningful change even when institutions initially resist reform efforts. Button also suggested that transparency provisions within the ordinance could create documentation useful to attorneys and advocates challenging immigration enforcement practices in court. Several speakers emphasized what they described as the humanitarian consequences of detention and deportation systems. Christine Kilarski told commissioners that cooperation with immigration enforcement can contribute to family separation, barriers to legal representation and limited access to medical care for detained immigrants. She urged the commission to view the issue through a human rights lens rather than solely as a matter of law enforcement. Economic Role of Immigrants Highlighted Economic arguments also featured prominently during testimony. Brennan Allsworth emphasized the importance of immigrants to Iowa's workforce, particularly in agriculture and meat processing industries that rely heavily on immigrant labor. He argued that immigration enforcement often occurs through routine interactions with local authorities rather than through highly visible workplace raids that tend to attract national media attention. According to Allsworth, the local consequences of those interactions can ripple through workplaces, schools and families, affecting entire communities rather than only those directly involved in enforcement actions. Luther College Voices Join Discussion Faculty and students connected to Luther College played a notable role in the meeting. Assistant Professor Josh Foley told commissioners immigration should be understood within broader historical and policy contexts. He argued enforcement-focused approaches do little to address conditions that drive migration and said local governments should consider structural responses to systemic issues. Assistant Professor of Political Science Aime Rovelo sought to address concerns that critics might view the ordinance as weakening public safety measures. She said supporters were not arguing against accountability for criminal activity, but against situations in which people could be targeted because of language, appearance, ethnicity or perceived immigration status. Rovelo also referenced research she said found no evidence that immigration increases crime rates. Another speaker, Meg Wacholz, read excerpts from student statements supporting the ordinance. The comments described immigrants as an important part of both Luther College's history and Decorah's identity. Students expressed concern about the impact of immigration enforcement on feelings of safety, belonging and community participation. The testimony suggested that many students view immigration policy not only as a legal issue, but also as a question of educational access, community inclusion and human rights. Commission Hears Calls for Action Throughout the meeting, speakers repeatedly returned to a central request: that the Human Rights Commission formally recommend the separation ordinance to the Decorah City Council. Advocates argued that such a recommendation would signal that the city takes seriously concerns raised by immigrants, students and their supporters. No formal action was taken by the Human Rights Commission during this meeting, but the issue is expected to return before the commission in the future. Your weekly dose of local life! Subscribe to the free newsletter and enjoy news, analysis, and stories you'll actually look forward to reading.