Ahead of competing ICE protests, Joplin mayor remains undecided on police partnership

With competing demonstrations over immigration enforcement planned outside Joplin City Hall tonight, Mayor Rob O'Brian is keeping an open mind about a potential partnership between local police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

During an interview with Newstalk KZRG, O'Brian said Police Chief Richard Pearson and his staff are still researching the program and could present their findings in the coming weeks.

However, no specific timeline has been established.

"Until I see all of the information, I'm keeping an open mind on this," O'Brian said.

When pressed on whether he was leaning toward supporting or opposing the partnership, the mayor declined to take a position.

"I want to hear what the chief has to say about this and what his team has found," he said.

Councilman Brian Cowles previously requested that the department examine whether such an agreement could benefit Joplin.

No agreement has been approved, and the issue is not scheduled for a council vote Monday.

With both supporters and opponents of ICE planning to demonstrate outside City Hall, O'Brian urged participants to remain respectful.

"People have opinions, and we want them to address the council," O'Brian said. "But please be respectful to each other, and let's open the discussion and have good dialogue."

Beyond the immigration debate, the council faces several significant financial and development matters Monday evening.

One proposal would authorize a nearly $4 million agreement with MoDOT for improvements along I-44.

O'Brian said an aging drainage culvert beneath the interstate has become inadequate as development expands in the Sunnyvale area, contributing to flooding during heavy rainfall.

The proposal would replace the existing drainage structure with a larger bridge and potentially establish a pedestrian and bicycle connection beneath the interstate in an area between Range Line and Connecticut.

The mayor said expedited approval is necessary to keep the project aligned with MoDOT's planned I-44 widening.

Council members will also receive preliminary findings from a redevelopment study examining the area between Northpark Mall and Missouri Southern State University.

The study, conducted by Place Foundry, identifies opportunities for additional restaurants, grocery stores, hotels and improved connections between the university and surrounding commercial properties.

Consultants estimate approximately $59 million in grocery, restaurant and drinking establishment spending is going unmet locally, suggesting potential opportunities for new development.

O'Brian emphasized that the findings represent an initial assessment rather than an approved redevelopment plan.

The council is also scheduled to consider the city's fiscal 2027 budget, which includes approximately $182.9 million in total appropriations.

O'Brian said future pay increases for police officers, firefighters and dispatchers remain tied to the closure of the city's existing police and fire pension system.

The ICE demonstrations begin at 5, meeting starts at 6.