Edited release
03/11/25

In the midst of federal and state immigration initiatives, the City of Iowa City’s Council issued a statement Monday reaffirming their support for all members of the community.

The statement reads in part, “In Iowa City, we prioritize and protect human rights. Further, we firmly believe that local government services should serve and protect every person equally, regardless of immigration status. Every day, we aim to ensure that our most vulnerable residents, including international migrants and refugees, remain comfortable and confident in accessing all municipal services. From riding our buses and playing in our parks and recreation centers, to reporting crimes and calling for emergency medical assistance, our immigrant and refugee residents deserve access to local services without fear. In the City of Iowa City, we strive daily to meet this very expectation of service excellence for all persons.”

The Council’s statement concludes by stating they stand opposed to any Federal or State legislative proposal that makes it more difficult for the area’s public servants to support each and every member of the community.

The full statement can be found below.

Iowa City Council affirms support and local service delivery for all community members amid federal and state immigration initiatives

In Iowa City we proudly state that all are welcome here. We celebrate and understand that it is our differences that make up the strong fabric of any dynamic community, including ours. Respect for one another is defined by our interest in learning from one another the things that we do not know instead of fearing these differences. And when harm is done to one, all are harmed.

In Iowa City, we prioritize and protect human rights. Further, we firmly believe that local government services should serve and protect every person equally, regardless of immigration status. Every day, we aim to ensure that our most vulnerable residents, including international migrants and refugees, remain comfortable and confident in accessing all municipal services. From riding our buses and playing in our parks and recreation centers, to reporting crimes and calling for emergency medical assistance, our immigrant and refugee residents deserve access to local services without fear. In the City of Iowa City, we strive daily to meet this very expectation of service excellence for all persons.

Iowa City’s values are not hard to understand, nor are they progressive, unreasonable, or even new. In fact, they are supported by this country’s own promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all people. We remain committed to these values and stand opposed to any Federal or State legislative proposal that makes it more difficult for our local public servants to support each and every member of our community.