SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane city leaders are addressing concerns about a recent Department of Justice grant of $1 million accepted by the Spokane Police Department. The grant is intended to support the hiring of additional officers to expand patrols throughout the city.
Concerns have been raised about the terms of the grant, which require local departments to collaborate with federal agencies.
During a news conference, council members explained that they consulted with their legal team and Chief Kevin Hall. They are convinced that accepting the funds will not change how Spokane Police operates, especially regarding discrimination. The funding will allow the department to add more police officers in different sectors of the city.
Council President Betty Wilkerson and other council members in support of the grant described the federal money as essential. The language of concern in the grant involves enhancing the relationship between local police and federal ICE agents. Council members assured that the grant will not require the Spokane Police Department to refer community members to ICE.
Chief Kevin Hall did not attend the news conference but provided a statement through Council President Betty Wilkerson.
“Participation in the program requires that we follow existing federal law regarding lawful information sharing. It does not mean Spokane officers will enforce federal civil immigration law. Question people about their immigration status during routine policing, or detain anyone on civil immigration matters without independent legal authority. If we don’t collect that information, we do not have it to share,” Wilkerson said.
Wilkerson also stated that if the terms of the grant money were to change regarding immigration status, the city and Chief Hall are prepared to return the funds.
