On January 29, 2026, Mayor Katie B. Wilson announced a series of initial actions to protect Seattle residents from an escalation in federal immigration enforcement activity. Citing the “unpredictable, chaotic, and violent behavior of the federal government,” the Mayor’s plan aims to safeguard community members through direct executive action, updated police protocols, and significant financial investment.
The Mayor’s initiative includes an Executive Order immediately barring federal civil immigration authorities from using City-owned and controlled property—including parks, parking lots, and the Seattle Center—for enforcement activities. Furthermore, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) is now mandated to investigate and document any reports of immigration enforcement activity, utilizing body-worn video to gather evidence of potentially unlawful acts. The city also plans to quickly invest $4 million in funds for immigrant legal defense and long-term community needs.
Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1) released a statement strongly supporting these measures. “I want to commend Mayor Wilson for her announcement today and for the direct actions she’s taking to protect Seattle community members from ICE,” Saka said. He described the Mayor’s plan as a “solid first step” and encouraged residents to stay engaged as more actions are developed.
Saka, who has deep personal ties to Minneapolis, linked the local protections to recent violence involving federal agents in other cities. “It is incredibly difficult to watch the events unfolding there right now; my heart is with those struggling communities,” Saka stated. “What we’ve seen with this reckless escalation, is execution-style murders caught on camera”.
Regarding Seattle's proactive stance, Saka emphasized that the city would not remain idle. “Seattle will not be a passive observer. We are prepared to join litigation and amicus briefs to send a unified message that the deployment of ICE to our city is unwelcome,” he said. He also highlighted that his office is monitoring state-level protections, such as HB 2173/SB 5855 regarding law enforcement masks and HB 2105 regarding worker notification of ICE inspections.
Addressing the city's immigrant and refugee neighbors directly, Saka concluded: “You belong here, and we will do everything in our power to protect you”.
The Mayor’s plan also includes the Stand Together Seattle Initiative, which helps private property owners post notices that federal agents may not access their property without a warrant. Mayor Wilson reaffirmed her commitment to the city's identity, stating, “Whoever you are, and wherever you come from: if Seattle is your home, then this is your city”.
