Iowa shows diversity and safety can coexist

Effective immigration reform requires an efficient legal system coupled with swift responses for violent offenders. Historically, crime-related deportation predated the creation of ICE; therefore, abolishing the agency would neither end deportations nor inherently increase illegal immigration. Rather, abolishing ICE represents a strategic opportunity to cut spending and reduce the size of the federal government.

Iowa’s diverse communities demonstrate that inclusivity and safety coexist. In Storm Lake, residents and law enforcement describe the community as peaceful, and serious crime is in decline despite the fact that 32 languages are spoken in local schools. Similarly, Denison, Coralville, Mount Pleasant, and Tama maintain high safety standards and peaceful environments while remaining significantly more diverse than other cities in the state.

The 2008 Postville raid serves as a stark illustration of the cost of failed policy. At a cost of $5 million, 900 agents disrupted a vibrant community of Norwegian, Jewish, Mexican, and South American cultures. What should have been celebrated as an example of the immigration that strengthens the United States instead became a costly nightmare for peaceful, working people. Delaying systemic fixes continues to cause significant social and economic harm to our broader society.

Marco Battaglia

Des Moines