(The Center Square) – The Seattle Police Officers Guild is not impressed with Mayor Katie Wilson’s recently announced series of initial steps to prepare the city for a potential surge in federal immigration enforcement.
Those initial steps include directing the Seattle Police Department to verify the identification of federal agents and document reports of immigration enforcement activity, prohibiting federal immigration officials from using city-owned or controlled property for enforcement activities, and allocating $4 million to local immigrant support organizations.
“Toothless virtue signaling rhetoric like this has already cost two people their lives,” SPOG President Mike Solan posted on X on Friday just before noon, and shortly after The Center Square asked for comment on Wilson’s plans. “The concept of pitting two armed law enforcement agencies against each other is ludicrous, and will not happen. I will not allow SPOG members to be used as political pawns.”
Earlier this month, two U.S. citizens, Renée Good and Alex Pretti, were fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis during intensified immigration enforcement efforts. Both shootings occurred amid rising tensions over the issue.
“I understand the concern and anxiety in the community, and I want to make sure everyone knows that the police are here to keep you safe, regardless of your immigration status,” Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes said in Thursday’s news release from the Mayor’s Office announcing the city’s plan to deal with possible federal immigration enforcement efforts in the city. “The City of Seattle is a welcoming city, and my officers will continue to abide by all laws and regulations that prohibit our participation in immigration enforcement. While we have no authority over federal agents or federal policies, we will document incidents if and when notified. The Seattle Police Department’s primary responsibility is the life safety of ALL people.”
Wilson spoke to the controversial nature of the Trump administration’s efforts to enforce federal immigration law, including what critics call aggressive tactics, alleged civil rights abuses and the separation of families.
“So many of us are shocked and heartbroken by the news out of Minneapolis and share a growing concern that our city, too, could come under attack by the federal government,” Wilson said in the news release. “I’m also disturbed by what I’ve been hearing about the huge spike in hotline calls there from families that can’t pay their rent because they’re afraid to leave their homes and go to work, and about small businesses at the end of their rope because the federal incursion has made it impossible to operate. The federal government is causing profound, long-term harm to so many communities, and we all have a shared responsibility to organize, practice solidarity and do what we can to keep Seattle safe.”
The Mayor’s Office did not respond to multiple emails from The Center Square asking if the mayor’s plans to limit the city’s cooperation with federal agencies on immigration enforcement efforts could inflame an already tense situation. Multiple phone calls went unanswered as well.
Under the plan, Wilson will issue an executive order prohibiting civil federal immigration authorities from using city-owned and city-controlled properties – parks, parking lots, plazas, vacant lots, garages and Seattle Center – for civil immigration enforcement.
“The mayor urges the Seattle School District, Seattle Municipal Court, and other local government bodies to take similar action,” according to the news release.
Wilson also directed the police department to investigate, verify and document reports of immigration enforcement activity, including any activity captured on in-car and body-worn video cameras.
The city will “Quickly invest $4 million in city funds to organizations engaged in immigrant legal defense, community support, and the long-term needs of immigrant communities,” according to the announcement. “This money was appropriated by City Council late last year, and we are working to quickly invest the funds.”
City officials have said there is currently no indication of a surge in activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Seattle.
The Center Square reached out to the White House Office of the Press Secretary, asking if the Trump administration has any plans to surge federal immigration enforcement efforts in Seattle, and was referred to the Department of Homeland Security. DHS did not respond to a request for comment.
