There was a packed hearing at the Iowa statehouse for a bill that would withhold state funds from cities and counties that fail to cooperate with federal immigration agents and keep a person in jail for expected deportation
Storm Lake Police Chief Mark Prosser opposes the bill.
The bill cleared the Iowa Senate last year and Tuesday cleared a House subcommittee. Representative Steven Holt, a Republican from Denison, says he finds “no compelling reason” the bill shouldn’t become law.
City and county officials told legislators holding someone in jail indefinitely without a warrant could invite lawsuits. Holt — the bill’s manager in the House — is considering adjusting the legislation to ensure federal immigration officials provide a warrant when they expect to pick someone up in an Iowa jail for deportation.
