Title
Approval of a Resolution Calling for an End to Dangerous Immigration Enforcement Tactics by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Urging Protection of Constitutional Rights, and Requiring Meaningful Guardrails on Department of Homeland Security Funding
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
The City Manager recommends consideration of the Resolution.
Report
Issue:
Whether the City Council should adopt a Resolution calling for an end to dangerous immigration enforcement Tactics by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), urging protection of Constitutional rights, and requiring meaningful guardrails on Department of Homeland Security funding.
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, City Manager, 360.753.8740
Mark Barber, City Attorney 360.753.8223
Presenter:
None. Consent calendar item.
Background and Analysis:
A surge of immigration enforcement by ICE and CBP in the state of Minnesota has resulted in the homicides of two citizens of the United States. Since President Trump took office on January 20, 2025, an unprecedented 37 people have died in the custody of ICE, including several deaths that may have been preventable.
The Resolution for consideration expresses concern over dangerous and violent immigration enforcement tactics by ICE and CBP, which have violated constitutional rights, caused deaths and injuries, and created fear in communities.
The Resolution calls for an end to enforcement surges, meaningful guardrails on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding, reductions in DHS spending, and a restructuring of the Department to ensure accountability. The Resolution also supports specific protections, including judicial warrants for searches, ending masked agent operations, prohibiting profiling, safeguarding sensitive locations, ending abuses in detention facilities, restricting deportations without judicial orders, and preserving local authority to investigate federal actions.
If approved, a copy of the Resolution would be sent to the Washington state congressional delegation.
Climate Analysis:
This Resolution will not affect or otherwise impact climate or the environment.
Equity Analysis:
It is essential that federal law enforcement agencies respect the constitutional rights of all individuals, including the First Amendment right to free speech and peaceful protest, the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the Fifth Amendment right to due process of law.
Financial Impact:
It is not anticipated the Resolution will have a financial impact on the City. However, President Trump has threatened to cut funding to sanctuary states or cities like Olympia.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Persons have communicated to elected officials their fears, concerns, and distress of events occurring by actions of ICE and CBP under the authority of DHS.
Options:
1. Move to approve a Resolution calling for an end to dangerous immigration enforcement Tactics by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), urging protection of Constitutional rights, and requiring meaningful guardrails on Department of Homeland Security funding.
2. Direct staff to make changes or modifications to the Resolution based on Council feedback and approve as amended.
3. Do not take any action.
Attachments:
Resolution