Erin Hut, Communications Director, ehut@spokanecity.org
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 1:10 p.m.
As the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeks to procure new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities, Mayor Lisa Brown has introduced an interim emergency ordinance that would prohibit the use of private property for detention facilities in the City of Spokane.
This ordinance would restrict private property owners from leasing to DHS, ICE, or other entities for detention purposes in commercial, industrial, and residential zones across the city.
“From detaining children to withholding access to healthcare, serious questions have been raised about the legality of current practices in detention facilities run by DHS. We know the Trump Administration is actively moving to expand its detention efforts, and this ordinance is one more step we are taking locally to resist being a part of this agenda,” Mayor Brown said.
"Spokane must remain a welcoming city for all,” said Councilmember Paul Dillon. “I applaud Mayor Brown for taking proactive steps to ensure Spokane is protecting our residents. Now more than ever, it is critical we be bold with our policies and commit to public safety and due process, regardless of where you were born.”
State law prohibits the private operation of detention facilities in Washington. This ordinance would complement this state law by also prohibiting any private property from being used as a detention facility in the City of Spokane.
If passed, the ordinance would go into effect immediately and be in place for one year. It could then be permanently incorporated into the City of Spokane’s development regulations as part of the Comprehensive Plan Update.
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