DHS calls Seattle Mayor’s plan to limit city cooperation with ICE ‘legally illiterate’

Seattle mayor’s plan would restrict federal agents

The plan would bar federal agents from using city-owned property for civil immigration enforcement. It also directs Seattle police to verify reports of immigration enforcement activity and to document any incidents with in-car and body-worn video.

“I understand the concern and anxiety in the community, and I want to make sure everyone knows that the police are here to keep you safe, regardless of your immigration status,” Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes said. “The City of Seattle is a welcoming city, and my officers will continue to abide by all laws and regulations that prohibit our participation in immigration enforcement. While we have no authority over federal agents or federal policies, we will document incidents if and when notified. The Seattle Police Department’s primary responsibility is the life safety of all people.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security emailed a statement to KIRO Newsradio late Friday afternoon.

“This is legally illiterate. Enforcing federal immigration laws is a clear federal responsibility under Article I, Article II and the Supremacy Clause,” the statement read. “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,” it continued.

A spike in hotline calls in Minneapolis

Wilson pointed to a spike in hotline calls in Minneapolis from families who can’t pay rent because they’re afraid to leave their homes and go to work.

“So many of us are shocked and heartbroken by the news out of Minneapolis and share a growing concern that our city too could come under attack by the federal government,” Wilson said. “I’m also disturbed by what I’ve been hearing about the huge spike in hotline calls there from families that can’t pay their rent because they’re afraid to leave their homes and go to work, and about small businesses at the end of their rope because the federal incursion has made it impossible to operate.”

Seattle city attorney expresses solidarity: ‘Seattle stands with Minnesota’

Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans expressed solidarity with Minnesota and warned Seattle must prepare for similar federal actions.

“Seattle stands with Minnesota. The reckless escalations and violent tactics of federal agents in the Twin Cities are the latest reminder that President Trump means to punish and intimidate communities,” she said. “We must prepare for that moment with courage and urgency, and today’s actions do just that.”

President of the Seattle Police Officers Guild (SPOG) Mike Solan blasted Wilson’s plan to track federal immigration activity.

On Friday, Solan told The Jason Rantz Show on Seattle Red 770 that officers are being used as “political pawns,” and he won’t support directives that deviate from official policy or the law.

“The biggest issue in our profession, particularly in the City of Seattle, is when law enforcement is used as political pawns,” he said. “This profession is on its knees, not just locally, but nationally.”

Wilson is additionally launching a “Stand Together Seattle” initiative, encouraging private property owners to require warrants before granting access to federal agents. She is also ordering a citywide review aimed at limiting data sharing with federal authorities.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.