With a federal crackdown underway, the Spokane City Council fast-tracked a vote Monday to reaffirm state law restricting local law enforcement’s participation with immigration authorities.
The approval followed a last-minute decision to amend Monday’s agenda just hours before the meeting. Originally scheduled for Feb. 24, the progressive majority moved the vote up amid speculation over local enforcement. Hundreds of people gathered at Spokane City Hall to express their support or opposition, leading to capacity concerns that briefly paused the meeting.
“Opponents of this resolution will say that [it] doesn’t accomplish anything,” Councilmember Zack Zappone said. “Well, this resolution affirms the city of Spokane’s commitment to the Keep Washington Working Act, which is state law.”
Passed in 2019, the Keep Washington Working Act (KWWA) aims to protect the state’s immigrant workforce. The law states that nearly a million immigrants lived in Washington in 2019, making up 16% of the workforce and 15% of business owners.
Monday’s resolution is nonbinding and does not change the law but serves as a formal statement of Spokane’s position. While many residents voiced support, others expressed concerns about the resolution’s impact on Spokane’s federal funding.
Councilmember Michael Cathcart warned that the resolution could put local immigrants and refugees at greater risk by drawing unwanted attention from federal agencies. He noted that the vote’s acceleration left less time for public testimony.
Opponents also raised concerns that the resolution effectively signals Spokane as a “sanctuary city,” despite the council avoiding that terminology. Councilmember Paul Dillon dismissed fears of federal funding cuts, tearing up a DOJ memo warning of consequences for jurisdictions interfering with federal law enforcement.
Mayor Lisa Brown recently cautioned the council that President Donald Trump’s executive orders could put $48 million in federal funding at risk for Spokane and its partner organizations, including World Relief and the International Rescue Committee.
Council Policy Advisor Christopher Wright assured that the resolution complies with state and federal law. “Sanctuary city is not a legal term,” Wright said. “This resolution stays away from that term and focuses on what the law is and what our aspirations are regarding immigration enforcement.”
As Spokane navigates its role in immigration enforcement, the city’s reaffirmation of the KWWA underscores the ongoing debate over balancing public safety, federal funding, and local policy priorities.
