SPOKANE, Wash. — Three Spokane City Council members defended the city’s new immigration ordinance Wednesday after the U.S. Border Patrol Spokane Sector raised concerns about the policy.
The council members responded to a Tuesday press release from Border Patrol regarding the “Safe and Welcome in Spokane” ordinance, which the City Council passed Aug. 25.
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Council Member Paul Dillon said the ordinance protects constitutional rights.
“Safe and Welcome in Spokane is based on the 4th Amendment, which guards against arbitrary searches and seizures of people and their property,” Dillon said. “This ordinance does not grant them the right to enter non-public areas without a warrant.”
Dillon called it “a necessary reform and expansion of our 2018 law on immigration enforcement in non-public areas due to increased risks at events and due process.”
Council President Betsy Wilkerson emphasized the council’s willingness to work with law enforcement.
“The Council is open to dialogue with law enforcement on how we can better safeguard our community from potential threats, while also being diligent in upholding decency and dignity for those navigating immigration status,” Wilkerson said.
The ordinance requires federal agents to obtain a warrant before entering private ticketed events being held on city land.
The Spokane Sector Border Patrol wrote in a statement on Tuesday, in part,” it is important to note that federal law supersedes local ordinances in matters related to immigration enforcement. U.S. Border Patrol agents, by law, are not required to obtain a warrant to arrest a subject illegally present in the United States.”
The statement continued, “We recognize the concerns expressed by community advocates regarding the perceived impact of our operations on Spokane residents. In response, we welcome open and ongoing dialogue with city officials, community leaders, and advocacy organizations. Transparency and cooperation are essential to ensuring that our shared commitment to community safety is upheld. Border Patrol agents have long worked in coordination with local law enforcement and community stakeholders, and we remain dedicated to building strong, respectful partnerships.”
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