SPOKANE, Wash. – A new ordinance passed by the Spokane City Council prohibits federal ICE agents from entering public events without a warrant. Known as the “Safe and Welcome in Spokane” ordinance, it was passed after a 5-2 vote on Monday.
The ordinance prevents ICE agents from entering permitted events on most public properties if event organizers request protection.
Jennifer Vigil, president of the board for Nuestras Raices Community Center, spoke at the meeting. She emphasized the need for community safety, stating, “I deserve to be safe in my community when a law is broken I expect my law enforcement to protect me.”
Vigil’s organization had to cancel its annual “Tacos and Tequila” event at Riverfront Park due to fears of ICE raids. She said, “Well to hold an event out in the street that really pours us at the mercy of whomever is around us.”
The ordinance has sparked mixed reactions. Vigil pointed out, “Anybody living and working in a community needs to feel safe in doing so. Say is just very basic, a very basic need.”
Police Chief Kevin Hall stated, “SPD cannot and will not interfere with a federal law enforcement.” He highlighted the importance of distinguishing between lawful and unlawful actions, saying, “Where there is a lawful executed order being delivered and served that’s very different than just snatching someone off the street without due process.”
City Council Member Jonathan Bingle, who voted against the ordinance, shared his concerns, stating, “For me it was performative the entire time and for me I don’t want to restrict law enforcement from being able to enter spaces lawfully.”
On the other hand, City Council Member Paul Dillon, who sponsored the ordinance, expressed satisfaction with its passage. “I am really happy that it passed last night,” he said. He views the ordinance as a “small lever” to empower event organizers who fear disruption.
Dillon also noted concerns from the community, saying, “We have sadly due to the over reach and abuses of power from the trump administration a large number of folks in the community who feel like they can’t leave home.”
Although Bingle remains skeptical about the ordinance’s impact, stating, “Because even if what we did is legal and ICE has to abide by it, I mean they can just wait outside,” the ordinance stands as a step towards addressing community fears.
Vigil emphasized the need to support those living in fear, saying, “Anybody living and working in a community needs to feel safe in doing so.” Dillon added, “That’s heartbreaking.”
