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March 21, 2018DES MOINES, Iowa |  By: INS

Sanctuary city rally planned at Iowa state Capitol today

A rally is planned at the Iowa state Capitol this afternoon urging lawmakers to reject legislation that would strip so-called "sanctuary cities" of state funds and boost enforcement of federal immigration laws. Senate File 481 was introduced by Representative Steve Holt in response to a resolution passed by the city council in Iowa City.

The council's directive said the city police department should not assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in the performance of their duties, except in cases involving public safety. Berenice Nava Romero with Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement says the proposed legislation has Iowa's immigrant communities on edge.

The bill says any person already in custody can be held indefinitely if requested by ICE, even if that person is not being charged with a crime. The law also would give any citizen the right to file a complaint with the Iowa Attorney General's Office if they believe a municipality is not fully enforcing federal immigration laws. Romero says Iowa immigrants are being made to feel unwelcome.

Latinos and Hispanics make up six percent of Iowa's population.

At a hearing last week, Iowa House Republicans invited clerks who don't normally attend such meetings to occupy seats in the chamber so opponents of the bill could not testify. Romero believes that's because only one group supports the legislation, while 18 other groups including the Iowa Police Chiefs Association are opposed.

According to the Associated Press, Governor Kim Reynolds "has indicated support" for signing the bill if approved by the Legislature. The rally at the Iowa Capitol Rotunda will begin at 4 p.m. this afternoon.