by Spokane, WA – The Spokane City Council voted Monday to bar U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from entering permitted events on public property without a warrant, a move that comes despite federal warnings about potential funding consequences.
Council Approves Ordinance
The ordinance passed 5-2, with Councilmembers Michael Cathcart and Jonathan Bingle opposing. It allows city officials to designate permitted events on public right-of-ways as nonpublic areas, meaning federal agents need the organizer’s express permission or a warrant to enter.
The measure does not stop state or local law enforcement from performing their duties. Instead, it creates a permitting process that gives attendees assurance they cannot be detained by ICE at these events without due process.
Police Concerns
Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall told the council that the ordinance is limited in scope and enforcement. The Spokane Police Department would not take an active role in preventing ICE from entering and would respond only to maintain peace or ensure public safety if called.
“SPD cannot and will not interfere with federal immigration enforcement,” Hall said, emphasizing that residents should not expect protection from federal agents merely because of the city law.
Federal Funding Warnings
The ordinance comes amid threats from President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi that sanctuary jurisdictions could face cuts to federal funding for impeding immigration enforcement. While Spokane was not included on the Aug. 5 DOJ list, the Trump administration plans to expand it, and future inclusion could result in millions in lost federal dollars.
Councilmember Cathcart expressed skepticism, warning that the law could create a “false sense of security” among residents who may believe they are protected from federal enforcement.
Community Response
Supporters argued the law provides a small but meaningful step toward protecting attendees at public events. Interim Councilmember Shelby Lambdin said it sends “a really big message” about safety, while Sarah Dixit, a city council candidate, noted it merely formalizes a permitting process without hindering law enforcement.
The proposal originated from former Councilmember Lili Navarrete, who resigned in June after her peers initially rejected the idea. Her replacement helped secure the ordinance’s passage as an emergency measure requiring a five-member majority.
