In a move aimed at shielding immigrant communities from federal operations, the King County Council voted Tuesday to prohibit the use of county-owned or controlled property for federal civil immigration enforcement. The ordinance, led by Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, restricts agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using county facilities, including buildings, parking lots, public parks, and vacant lots, as staging areas or processing locations.

“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,” said Councilmember Mosqueda. She characterized local elected officials as the “last line of defense” against “federal overreach,” emphasizing that the new law codifies protections to ensure the region remains a safe and welcoming community for all residents.

The legislation, co-sponsored by Councilmembers Jorge Barón, Rhonda Lewis, and Rod Dembowski, specifically bars county agents and employees from authorizing the use of property for civil immigration enforcement, surveillance, or logistical coordination. To ensure compliance, the King County Sheriff’s Office is authorized to respond to and potentially remove federal agents found violating the ordinance.

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay expressed strong support for the measure, stating that county-owned spaces should not be used for purposes that “erode community trust and undermine safety.” Zahilay added, “King County will not allow our properties to be used to intimidate immigrant and refugee communities and violate their rights.”

The Council’s decision comes amid sharp criticism of current federal tactics. Councilmember Rhonda Lewis argued that the actions of ICE are “eroding our most fundamental rights under the 4th Amendment of the Constitution,” adding that the Council is “drawing a clear line to protect our communities.” Councilmember Rod Dembowski echoed these concerns, calling current DHS practices “inhumane” and “outrageous,” and urged the federal congressional delegation to demand meaningful reforms at the Department of Homeland Security.

Beyond the immediate ban, the ordinance directs the Executive to develop strategies to increase security at vulnerable properties, which may include the use of physical barriers. Additionally, any county employee who witnesses county property being used for immigration enforcement is now required to report the incident immediately to their department director, who must then notify the Executive and the Council.

Councilmember Jorge Barón, who worked closely with Mosqueda on the legislation, noted that the ordinance strengthens existing local protections. “This legislation strengthens existing protections to ensure that our county property is used to uphold our region’s values of inclusion and community safety,” Barón said