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Immigrant Impact on Marshalltown

Marshalltown, December 12, 2006 - Immigrants, largely Hispanic, began migrating to the Midwest in the early 90's. They've been drawn largely by jobs at meat packing plants like Swift. Many purchased homes and started businesses of their own. Some communities that might have otherwise experienced a decrease in population experienced renewed growth as a result.

Marshalltown Police Chief Lon Walker welcomes legal immigrants but the road from Mexico to Mainstreet has also brought a less desirable element to town.

Walker says, "Since 1999 the number of drug cases has doubled... most meth and pot coming from Mexico."

Gangs have also left their mark on Marshalltown. One in particular called M13 out of Central America was the focus of a nationwide investigation. While Chief Walker worked hand in hand with federal agents on that case, local law enforcement officers have traditionally been prohibited from enforcing immigration laws.

Walker says, "We are not allowed to ask for immigration papers."

That tied the local department's hands. Walker said, "I think the illegal population understands there's no one out there looking for them, and if they don't get in trouble for something else there's probably no consequence."

That will soon change. The Marshalltown City Council recently approved a program that will allow police to determine an immigrant's legal status. If they commit a crime the new program won't allow Walker to conduct raids like the one at the Swift plant, but it could be a first step in sending some back to the border.

Marshalltown police plan to start training for the new program next spring.