Key Takeaways
• Mike Tupper advocates bipartisan immigration reform focusing on border security and easier legal immigration, opposing local police enforcing federal laws.
• Iowa’s bill would require all local police to sign 287(g) agreements with ICE, enforcing immigration laws under threat of criminal penalties.
• Law enforcement warns this bill risks community trust, reducing crime reporting and cooperation with police among immigrant populations.
A retired Iowa police chief, Mike Tupper, has stepped into the national spotlight as a leading voice for national immigration reform. On June 22, 2025, Tupper, who ended his 13-year tenure as Marshalltown Police Chief in January, publicly called for a balanced, bipartisan approach to immigration policy. His message comes at a time when Iowa is debating new laws that would require local police to enforce federal immigration rules, sparking heated discussions across the state.
Tupper’s advocacy, shaped by decades in law enforcement, focuses on public safety, community trust, and practical solutions. He now co-chairs the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force, part of the National Immigration Forum, and is urging lawmakers to strengthen border security while making legal immigration easier—especially for people brought to the United States 🇺🇸 as children. His position stands in sharp contrast to recent legislative efforts in Iowa, where new bills would force local police to work closely with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program.
Let’s break down the latest developments, the background behind these debates, and what these changes could mean for Iowa and the rest of the country.
A New Voice for Reform: Who Is Mike Tupper?
Mike Tupper’s law enforcement career began with the Ottumwa Police Department. He later served as police chief in Nevada, Iowa, before taking the top job in Marshalltown. Early in his time there, Tupper worked to build trust with the city’s Hispanic community, recognizing that strong relationships between police and immigrants are essential for public safety.
Tupper’s commitment to fair and effective policing led him to connect with the National Immigration Forum, a nonprofit that brings together faith leaders, law enforcement, and business owners to support immigration reform. Through this network, he joined the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force, which started in 2015 to help police leaders shape immigration policies that keep communities safe while respecting the rights of immigrants.
What’s Happening in Iowa? The Push for Stricter Enforcement
In early 2025, Iowa lawmakers introduced a bill that would require every state and local law enforcement agency to sign agreements with ICE. This would put the 287(g) jail enforcement model in place across Iowa, training local officers to enforce federal immigration laws. Under this plan, police would identify and detain people without legal status who are facing criminal charges, serve immigration warrants, and possibly make immigration arrests outside of jails if the federal program expands.
Supporters of the bill, including Representatives Skyler Wheeler and Steven Holt, argue that these steps are necessary to keep communities safe and ensure that laws are followed. They say that working with ICE will help remove undocumented immigrants who commit crimes and send a strong message about legal compliance.
But not everyone agrees. Mike Tupper and the Iowa Police Chiefs Association have spoken out against the bill, warning that it would damage the trust between police and immigrant communities. They believe that when local officers are seen as immigration agents, people may be afraid to report crimes or cooperate with investigations, making everyone less safe.
Key Stakeholders: Who’s for and Against the Bill?
- Mike Tupper: He supports national immigration reform that is non-partisan and based on common sense. Tupper wants stronger border security and simpler legal immigration processes, but he opposes making local police responsible for enforcing federal immigration laws. He believes this approach harms community trust and public safety.
- Iowa GOP Lawmakers: Representatives Wheeler and Holt are leading the push for the new bill. They say it’s about public safety and making sure the law is enforced.
Opponents of the Bill: Community leaders like Maria Gonzalez of Marshalltown and Vanessa Marcano-Kelly from the Iowa Movement for Migrant Justice argue that the bill is anti-immigrant and xenophobic. They warn it will create fear, lead to family separations, and hurt immigrant communities.
Iowa Police Chiefs Association: The association has raised concerns that the bill would put extra pressure on already busy police departments and that local police should not be asked to take on immigration enforcement duties.
How Would the Proposed Law Work? A Step-by-Step Look
If the bill becomes law, here’s what would happen:
- All Iowa law enforcement agencies must sign agreements with ICE.
- Local officers would be trained under the 287(g) jail enforcement model. This means they would identify and detain immigrants without legal status who are facing criminal charges.
- Officers could serve immigration warrants and possibly make arrests outside of jails if the federal program expands.
- Any officer who refuses to enforce immigration laws could face criminal penalties, including up to five years in prison and fines.
This approach would be a big change for Iowa, which has not previously required local police to participate in the 287(g) program.
Why Does Mike Tupper Oppose Local Police Enforcing Immigration Laws?
Tupper and many other police leaders believe that public safety depends on trust. When people in immigrant communities see local police as partners, they are more likely to report crimes, share information, and help keep neighborhoods safe. If police are forced to act as immigration agents, that trust can disappear.
Tupper argues that making local police enforce federal immigration laws will:
- Reduce crime reporting: People may be afraid to call the police if they think they or their family members could be detained or deported.
- Undermine investigations: Police rely on witnesses and victims to solve crimes. If people are scared to talk, it becomes harder to keep communities safe.
- Stretch police resources: Local departments are already busy. Adding immigration enforcement could take time and attention away from other important work.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these concerns are shared by many law enforcement leaders across the country, who see community trust as the foundation of effective policing.
Supporters’ Arguments: Why Do Some Lawmakers Want This Bill?
Lawmakers backing the bill say that cooperation with ICE is necessary to uphold the law and protect communities from criminals who are in the United States 🇺🇸 without permission. They argue that:
- Public safety comes first: Removing undocumented immigrants who commit crimes makes communities safer.
- Consistency in law enforcement: The law should be enforced the same way everywhere in Iowa.
- Federal and local cooperation: Working with ICE ensures that immigration laws are not ignored.
Supporters also point out that the bill includes penalties for officers who refuse to enforce immigration laws, which they believe will ensure compliance and accountability.
Community Concerns: What Do Immigrant Advocates Say?
Groups like the Iowa Movement for Migrant Justice warn that the bill will:
- Create fear in immigrant communities: People may avoid police, schools, and hospitals if they worry about being detained.
- Lead to family separations: Parents could be detained or deported, leaving children behind.
- Hurt public safety: When people are afraid to talk to police, everyone is at greater risk.
Maria Gonzalez, a community leader in Marshalltown, calls the bill “anti-immigrant and xenophobic,” saying it targets people who are simply trying to build better lives.
Historical Background: The 287(g) Program
The 287(g) program was created by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. It allows local law enforcement agencies to sign agreements with ICE, giving local officers the power to enforce federal immigration laws. While some states have used the program, Iowa has not required its police departments to participate—until now, if the new bill passes.
Mike Tupper’s involvement with the National Immigration Forum and the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force since 2015 shows that many police leaders want a different approach. They support reforms that balance enforcement with community trust, rather than making local police responsible for immigration duties.
What’s Next? The Future of Immigration Enforcement in Iowa
As of early 2025, the bill is moving through the Iowa legislature, with hearings and committee votes underway. There is strong opposition from immigrant rights groups and some law enforcement leaders, so the debate is likely to continue. Legal challenges could also arise if the bill becomes law.
At the same time, Mike Tupper and the National Immigration Forum are working to promote national immigration reform that is practical and fair. They want to see stronger border security, easier legal immigration pathways, and a clear path to citizenship for people brought to the United States 🇺🇸 as children.
Changes at the federal level could also affect how states like Iowa handle immigration enforcement. The current administration’s policies may shape what is possible for local police and ICE cooperation in the future.
Implications for Stakeholders: What Does This Mean for You?
- Immigrants and Families: If the bill passes, immigrants in Iowa may face greater risks of detention and deportation, even for minor offenses. Families could be separated, and fear of police may increase.
- Law Enforcement: Police departments would have new responsibilities and could face penalties for not enforcing immigration laws. This could strain resources and damage relationships with the community.
- Employers and Local Businesses: Many Iowa businesses rely on immigrant workers. Increased enforcement could affect the workforce and local economies.
- Community Members: Public safety could be affected if people are afraid to report crimes or cooperate with police.
Practical Guidance: What Can You Do?
- Stay Informed: Track the progress of the bill and other immigration laws through the Iowa Legislature’s official website.
- Know Your Rights: Immigrants should understand their legal rights and what to do if approached by law enforcement or ICE.
- Get Involved: Community members can attend public hearings, contact lawmakers, and support organizations working on immigration issues.
- Connect with Resources: Groups like the National Immigration Forum and the Iowa Movement for Migrant Justice offer information and support for immigrants and their families.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for National Immigration Reform
Mike Tupper’s call for national immigration reform highlights the need for policies that keep communities safe while respecting the rights and dignity of all people. As Iowa debates whether to make local police responsible for enforcing federal immigration laws, the stakes are high for immigrants, law enforcement, and the broader community.
The outcome of this debate will shape not only Iowa’s approach to immigration but could also influence national discussions about how best to balance security, fairness, and trust. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the voices of law enforcement leaders like Mike Tupper are becoming more important as the country looks for practical, bipartisan solutions to complex immigration challenges.
For more information about the 287(g) program and how it works, visit the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 287(g) Program page.
By staying informed and engaged, everyone in Iowa—and across the United States 🇺🇸—can play a part in shaping a fair and effective immigration system for the future.
Learn Today
287(g) program → A federal program allowing local police to enforce immigration laws through ICE partnerships and special training.
Immigration enforcement → Actions by authorities to uphold immigration laws, including detaining or deporting unauthorized immigrants.
Local law enforcement → Police agencies operating within cities or counties, responsible for public safety in their jurisdictions.
Bipartisan reform → Policy changes supported by both major political parties to ensure balanced and effective solutions.
National Immigration Forum → A nonprofit organization that unites leaders to support practical immigration reform and community safety.
This Article in a Nutshell
Retired Iowa police chief Mike Tupper urges balanced immigration reform, opposing mandatory local police enforcement of federal laws, citing trust risks. Iowa debates a bill forcing 287(g) ICE cooperation. The outcome affects immigrant safety, police resources, and community relations nationwide, highlighting a critical reform crossroads in immigration policy.
— By VisaVerge.com
