SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane City Council voted 6-1 to approve an emergency ordinance that would prevent the use of private property for detention facilities within city limits.
“These DHS detention facilities are inhumane,” said Council Member Zack Zappone. “They have horrible conditions and violate the basic principle of due process. Preventing a local ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ is another way our City can say enough is enough to this lawless administration and it’s secret police. Spokane will not be host to cruelty towards our immigrant and refugee neighbors who simply want a better life for themselves and their loved ones.”
This emergency ordinance would restrict private property owners from leasing to the Department of Homeland Security, ICE or other immigration enforcement entities.
“This is a proactive step to ensure Spokane is protecting our residents,” said Council Member Paul Dillon. “Our neighbors are being sent to detention centers, where they’re stripped of their basic human rights and forced to live in squalid conditions. We must stand together to not allow this to happen in Spokane.”
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