Spokane: City Council Adopts "Immigration Enforcement Free Zones" Ordinance
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~ During Monday's Legislative Session, the Spokane City Council made a significant decision by adopting the "Immigration Enforcement Free Zones" ordinance. This new ordinance, sponsored by Council Members Kate Telis, Paul Dillon, and Sarah Dixit, aims to prohibit immigration enforcement from staging and conducting surveillance on city-owned property and parking lots without a judicial warrant.

The ordinance was passed with a 6-1 vote, highlighting the council's strong support for protecting the rights of immigrants in their community. It will require all city departments to identify properties that may be used for immigration enforcement and display signage indicating that they are off-limits without a judicial warrant.

Council Member Kate Telis, who also serves as the Chair of the Public Safety and Community Health Committee, emphasized the council's duty to draw a clear line when it comes to immigration enforcement on city property. "City property cannot be used for warrantless immigration enforcement - period," she stated. "A judicial warrant is required. At a time of escalating federal overreach, we must stand firmly for constitutional rights and due process."

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Council Member Paul Dillon echoed this sentiment, stating that cities have a responsibility to protect their communities from rising authoritarianism. "It's critical we strengthen the prohibition of city resources for immigration enforcement to ensure community safety and trust," he said.

Council Member Sarah Dixit also spoke out about the importance of taking a stand against fear-mongering tactics used by the federal administration. "As the federal administration continues to stoke fear in communities across the country, it is vital that we make it very clear what we won't tolerate in our city," she stated. "It is our responsibility to ensure that Spokane is not complicit in passive compliance with immigration enforcement and that we are using every lever we have to protect our neighbors no matter their immigration status."

The adoption of this ordinance sends a strong message that Spokane will not allow fear or unconstitutional deportations to erode the safety and trust of their community. The council hopes that this ordinance will provide clarity, accountability, and protection for all residents, regardless of their immigration status. In the event of a violation, legal options will be available to seek judicial relief.

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