Marshalltown Police Chief Michael Tupper was among law enforcement officers who spoke at a hearing yesterday at the Capitol in regards to a proposed bill on immigration enforcement.

The bill would withhold state funds from cities and counties that fail to cooperate with federal immigration agents and keep a person in jail for expected deportation. Tupper stated the bill only works to diminish public safety.

When questioned the Chief added the issue is one that has not been an issue in Iowa and wondered aloud why lawmakers are more worried about what is happening in other states .

The bill cleared the Iowa Senate last year and yesterday cleared a House subcommittee. Representative Steven Holt, a Republican from Denison, says he finds “no compelling reason” the bill shouldn’t become law.