MARION - Marion Mayor John Nieland used his state of the city address to say Marion's making plans to tackle immigration issues, but the idea definitely kicked up some controversy on Tuesday.

Nieland wants a city police officer trained to go after businesses hiring illegal workers, but using city money for that purpose didn't make everybody happy.

"The problem you have is people keep hiring them. If you didn't hire them, there would be no problem," said Nieland.

Nieland says Marion's particular problem with undocumented workers involves workers in some construction trades. He wants the city to hire a new police officer.

After five weeks of federal training, that officer would be deputized as a U.S. Marshal, and would be able to investigate local complaints about illegal workers.

But Cedar Rapids' chamber president Lee Clancy said the idea could jeopardize efforts by many area businesses to bring in workers from different cultures.

"How do you implement a plan like his and still create and sustain a welcoming environment?" said Lee Clancey.

But Nieland made no apologies. He said one comment from a union worker showed him he was on the right track with a crackdown on hiring illegal workers.

"And he said I'm finally glad someone stood up and took the position. I know I'm being harsh, but I'm not going to back down from the facts," said Nieland.

Nieland says he unveiled the idea at this annual State of the City speech because a lot of people would hear it and that would start the discussion.

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, or I.C.E., is the program Marion's mayor wants to get involved with.

One federal official says he couldn't comment on discussions before a deal, but no other Iowa city has yet signed up to provide an officer for that particular program.