SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane City Council is considering an ordinance that would define non-public spaces to limit law enforcement access, particularly targeting events where immigrants might feel at risk of being approached by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The ordinance is seen as a protective measure against the increasing ICE presence throughout the country. Council member, Paul Dillon, says the ordinance is a step towards vulnerable communities feeling safer.
“When you think about like Tacos and Tequila and you know, Bloomsday and Hoopfest… people feel safe going to a lot of community events because that’s something we’ve heard very loud and clear from the immigrant and refugee communities that they don’t feel safe,” said Dillon.
The ordinance follows previous ICE-related incidents in Spokane. It builds on existing city code that began seven years ago when ICE and Border Patrol were reportedly profiling individuals at the Greyhound station.
“And we actually have this in code already that started with the Greyhound station intermodal station seven years ago when ICE and Border Patrol were going on buses and asking for people’s papers, and the courts found that they were racially profiling,” Dillon added.
During Monday night’s meeting, a community member opposed to the ordinance expressed concerns to the City Council.
“Do you guys choose which laws you follow? I don’t. And that’s wrong for the kids to set an example like this,” they stated.
The individual criticized council members supporting the ordinance, claiming they are creating a “lawless sanctuary city” and added, “City council members breaking federal law with this ordinance need to be prosecuted, thank you.”
For many in Spokane, the focus is on attending community events without fear. It is less about the policy and more about ensuring safety and comfort for all attendees.
