Lisa Gardner, City Council Communications Director, 509.625.6226
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 1:48 p.m.
During Monday’s Legislative Session, Spokane City Council Members voted 5-2 on Resolution 2020-0010, supporting Spokane's Immigrant and Refugee communities and affirming compliance with Washington’s Keep Washington Work Act of 2019.
“The Keep Washington Working Act is not just a policy; it embodies our shared values of equity, justice, and respect for all people,” said Council Member Lili Navarrete. “In Washington, everyone deserves to feel safe and access vital services without fear of discrimination or deportation. This law is essential in creating a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.”
The resolution reaffirms the City of Spokane’s commitment to follow the state law passed in 2019, which directs that local governments and law enforcement agencies refrain from using resources or cooperating with federal immigration enforcement unless required by law. This law protects the rights of immigrants and enhances community trust in law enforcement, which is crucial for public safety.
“Our economy is fueled by workers and customers who moved to our region for the opportunity to achieve the American dream,” said Council Member Zack Zappone. “Spokane businesses are already seeing negative impacts with the loss of workers, and decreased sales. Everyone, whether you’re an immigrant or not, should know your civil rights, especially your right to ask for a warrant.”
“My desire is that this resolution acts as a public service announcement for our community, emphasizing the importance of education and collective involvement,” said Council President Betsy Wilkerson.
For more information on the Keep Washington Working Act and ongoing initiatives to support immigrant communities, please visit the Washington State Attorney General's Office at https://www.atg.wa.gov/keep-washington-working-act-faq-law-enforcement
About the Spokane City Council
The City Council is the legislative body of the City of Spokane, which is home to more than 220,000 people and is located in the heart of the Inland Northwest. The City’s 2,000 employees strive to deliver efficient and effective services that facilitate economic opportunity and enhance the quality of life for all our citizens. For more information, visit SpokaneCity.org/CityCouncil/ and follow us @SpokaneCityCouncil on Facebook.
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