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Local advocate urges council to reject proposed anti‑immigrant ordinance, offers alternative actions
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Summary
During public comment, volunteer attorney Melissa O'Rourke told the council a planned separation ordinance would harm Decorah's immigrant community and recommended federal reform, driver’s licenses for immigrants, public education and local support for established immigrant organizations.
Melissa O'Rourke, a volunteer attorney and immigrant‑rights advocate, told the Decorah City Council that she and local immigrant leaders oppose a proposed “separation ordinance” campaign and urged the council not to adopt one.
O'Rourke said organizers pushing the campaign have not sought input from local immigrants and that the effort is being driven by an informal Facebook group and by outside activists. “There is no organization or board of directors. It's just a Facebook group,” she said. She warned the effort could cause fear among local immigrants: “Raising the specter of such an ordinance here puts a community, many of whom are staying home, not shopping, not seeking health care and other services because they are afraid to show their brown skin in public.”
Why it matters: O'Rourke told the council the proposed ordinance would damage trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement and community partners. She named outside activists brought into the conversation, and said their national agenda differs from local needs.
Council response and suggestions from the speaker: O'Rourke proposed four constructive steps the council and community can take instead of adopting a separation ordinance: 1) advocate for comprehensive federal immigration reform; 2) support policies to allow immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses — noting 19 states plus D.C. permit licenses without checking immigration status; 3) host public education events about immigration facts and local resources; and 4) support the Northeast Iowa Peace and Justice Center and its immigration action network.
Ending note: O'Rourke closed by offering to help organize presentations or panels and encouraging residents to support established local immigrant‑serving groups.
