Everett Mayor Limits ICE Enforcement in City Buildings

Directive sparks backlash from federal immigration agency over escalating tensions

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Everett, Washington Mayor Cassie Franklin issued a directive this week establishing citywide protocols that restrict federal immigration agents from entering non-public areas of city buildings without a judicial warrant. ICE blasted the directive, accusing Franklin of escalating tensions and directing city law enforcement to intervene with ICE operations at their own discretion.

Why it matters

The directive highlights the ongoing tensions between local governments and federal immigration enforcement, with mayors like Franklin seeking to protect immigrant communities from the impacts of aggressive ICE activity, while federal agencies argue that such policies hinder their ability to apprehend criminal illegal aliens.

The details

Franklin's directive covers four main areas: restricting federal immigration agents from accessing non-public areas of city facilities without a warrant, requiring immediate reporting of enforcement activity on city property, mandating clear signage to enforce access limits, and calling for an internal policy review and staff training. The mayor also reaffirmed the police department's commitment to 'Constitutional policing' and stated that officers will not ask about immigration status when responding to 911 calls.

  • This week, Mayor Franklin issued the directive establishing new citywide protocols.
  • During a city council meeting, Franklin announced the new policy.

The players

Cassie Franklin

The mayor of Everett, Washington who issued the directive limiting ICE enforcement in city buildings.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal immigration agency that blasted the mayor's directive, accusing her of escalating tensions and directing city law enforcement to intervene with ICE operations.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.