Davenport responds to ICE cooperation bill

DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) - The Davenport City Council sent a clear message to state lawmakers on Wednesday: Local law enforcement decisions belong in cities, not the statehouse.

In a packed council meeting, aldermen unanimously passed Issue Paper 26-05, opposing a legislative proposal that would force local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.

Aldermen framed the issue as one of local control. According to the city’s position paper: “The City of Davenport supports the preservation of our local control on all matters that impact the city.”

The city also said that, given current staffing levels, its priority remains on local law enforcement.

The move reflects growing tension between municipal governments and state lawmakers over who controls immigration enforcement at the local level.

The opposition centers on a House bill that would mandate that Iowa law enforcement agencies participate in immigration law enforcement efforts. Though the bill appears to be stalled in the House, a nearly identical measure is gaining traction in the Senate.

Alderwoman At-Large Jazmin Newton put the white paper before the council.

“The bill is House File 2041,” she said. “Essentially, it would mandate that officers shall cooperate with federal immigration and customs enforcement. I believe that it is necessary that the state understands where we stand as a city.”

She continued:

“The Davenport Police Department is committed to transparency, professionalism, and more importantly, community-focused policing. The core mission is to protect and care for the well-being of our community,” she said. “I think that should continue.”

The council’s decision was met with cheers from a crowded council chamber.

Davenport issued a statement on Thursday to clarify its position:

“At the January 28, 2026, meeting of the Davenport City Council, the Council unanimously voted to amend the City of Davenport’s 2026 State of Iowa Legislative Program to include Issue Paper 26-05 – Davenport Police Response Priorities. The legislative packet includes five position papers on issues of importance to the City for the 2026 state legislative session.

In Issue Paper 26-05, the City is expressing its position on proposed legislation that interferes with local authority and autonomy in the way the Davenport Police Department collaborates with our local, state, and federal partners. The issue paper makes clear that the City of Davenport is opposed to these bills and wants to preserve local authority in public safety decision-making, as currently outlined in Iowa Code.

The position paper should only be read as a statement of our position on bills recently brought forward in the State House and Senate. The city, its officers, and employees take their obligations under Iowa Code 27A seriously but cannot support the proposed amendments as written.

As part of the meeting discussion, the Davenport City Council also directed the City Administrator to continue the conversation and plan for a follow-up on this topic."