New King County executive order restricts ICE enforcement, adds $2M for immigrant services

King County is tightening regulations around U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity.

Executive Girmay Zahilay signed a new executive order Thursday that aims to protect immigrant and refugee communities amid increased federal enforcement.

The order allocates $2 million in emergency funding for immigrant and refugee communities to support rent, food, and legal fees. It directs the King County Sheriff’s Office to publish protocols for responding to 911 calls reporting ICE activity. It also prohibits immigration authorities from staging or conducting civil enforcement in non-public areas of county property, including parking lots, garages, and vacant lots.

King County departments will be directed to support Know Your Rights resources and review all policies and procedures to confirm they align with the Keep Washington Working Act, the Courts Open to All Act, and King County Code Section 2.15.

The King County International Airport will be required to upgrade security cameras and improve observation areas to ensure public access and increase transparency around deportation flights.

Lastly, the order creates a Welcoming County subcabinet to advise the executive on strengthening support and protections for residents, and continues pushing Washington’s congressional delegation to block additional ICE funding.

“Every resident who calls King County home, regardless of their citizenship status, deserves safety, dignity, and to live without fear or intimidation,” Zahilay said in a statement. “During my listening sessions, I’ve heard directly from immigrant and refugee neighbors who are afraid to leave their homes and go to school, work, medical appointments, and even report crimes to local law enforcement.”

“Entire communities are living in fear that they may never see their loved ones again, a direct effect of federal overreach,” he continued. “This executive order is an immediate step we must take to protect the rights of King County’s residents, maintain community trust, and ensure local advocacy organizations have the resources they need to support impacted communities.”

King County leaders voice support for new protections

King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda praised the collaboration between the executive and council.

“As the federal administration imposes chaos, violence, and fear across the country, in King County, we are working together proactively to create greater stability and safeguards for our own communities,” Mosqueda stated.

She added, “As local elected officials, we are the last line of defense for the safety and well-being of our communities — and we will continue to work together, using every tool possible to strengthen our local response to federal overreach and ensure that King County remains a welcoming and safe community for all.”

King County Councilmember Jorge Baron echoed that sentiment, calling for continued evaluation of how the county can protect residents.

“We are continuing to look for ways to support our immigrant and refugee neighbors in the face of these unprecedented attacks from our federal government,” Baron stated. “I am grateful for strong collaboration between community and elected leaders to inform our path forward together.”

King County Sheriff Patricia Cole-Tindall said the order provides needed clarity for her deputies.

“Our work is centered on delivering public safety,” Cole-Tindall stated. “Today’s executive order provides direction and opportunity for us to clarify what our deputies can and cannot do when ICE operates in the communities we serve.”

Maha Roy and Julie Kang, co-chairs of the King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission, thanked county leadership for their commitment.

“Immigrants, refugees, and communities of color have built and sustained this democracy with labor, sacrifice, and belief in its promise,” they stated. “We can’t negotiate for our dignity with fear, nor tolerate a separation from our humanity. We are grateful to call King County our home, and to Executive Zahilay and the King County Council for their steadfast commitment and support.”

DHS slams Seattle’s similar order as ‘legally illiterate’

Last month, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced a similar executive order barring ICE agents from using city-owned property for civil immigration enforcement. The order would also direct Seattle police to verify reports of immigration enforcement activity and document any incidents with in-car and body-worn video.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) called Wilson’s plans “legally illiterate” in a statement to KIRO Newsradio.

“This is legally illiterate. Enforcing federal immigration laws is a clear federal responsibility under Article I, Article II, and the Supremacy Clause,” a DHS spokesperson wrote. “While this Seattle sanctuary politician continues to release pedophiles, rapists, gang members, and murderers onto the streets, our brave law enforcement will continue to risk their lives to arrest these heinous criminals and make Seattle safe again.”

“How does this serve the people of Seattle? The biggest losers are the people she was elected to serve,” they continued.

Days before Wilson’s order, the King County Council passed a motion urging Congress to place conditions on DHS funding. The conditions include requiring warrants for arrests, mandating body cameras, banning enforcement at schools, hospitals, and places of worship, ending contracts with for-profit detention facilities, and restoring oversight of ICE operations.

Contributing: Frank Lenzi, KIRO Newsradio

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