Clark County Residents Clash Over Immigration Enforcement at Council Meetings

Heated debates and disruptive behavior mark discussions on the county's stance on immigration issues.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Residents of Clark County, Washington have been engaged in heated debates at recent county council meetings regarding the council's handling of immigration enforcement issues. The meetings have seen passionate arguments from both sides, with some attendees using profanity and disruptive behavior. The council has passed a resolution clarifying its jurisdiction and stance on immigration enforcement, despite objections from some councilors and members of the public.

Why it matters

The ongoing debates around immigration enforcement in Clark County reflect the broader political and social tensions surrounding these issues at the local level. The council's actions and the public response highlight the challenges of balancing public safety concerns, individual rights, and community values when it comes to immigration policy.

The details

At the January 28th county council meeting, the council first discussed immigration enforcement, with residents speaking both in favor of and against increased enforcement. One speaker used profanity, but the council and security did not intervene. At the February 4th meeting, the council was set to approve the minutes from the previous meeting, but the chair adopted a policy prohibiting public comment on past minutes, which some residents found unconstitutional. At the February 11th meeting, the council considered a draft resolution on its jurisdiction and stance on immigration enforcement. The meeting was again packed with residents on both sides of the issue, with a speaker engaging in disruptive behavior by throwing a wad of paper at the council. The resolution ultimately passed in a 3-2 vote, with some councilors and members of the public opposing it.

  • The Clark County Council first discussed immigration enforcement at its January 28, 2026 meeting.
  • The council considered approving the minutes from the January 28 meeting at its February 4, 2026 meeting.
  • The council discussed a draft resolution on immigration enforcement at its February 11, 2026 meeting.

The players

Clark County Council

The governing body of Clark County, Washington that has been at the center of the debates around immigration enforcement.

Kimberlee Goheen Elbon

A resident of La Center, Washington who wrote a letter criticizing the council's handling of the immigration-related meetings.

Michelle Belkot

A Clark County Council member who voted against the resolution on immigration enforcement.

Matt Little

A Clark County Council member who voted against the resolution on immigration enforcement.

Sue Marshall

The chair of the Clark County Council who adopted a policy prohibiting public comment on past meeting minutes.

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What they’re saying

“Fear and hate ensued as a young he/she spoke and ended with wadding a few pages of paper into a ball, pulled his pants down far enough to cram the wad down his backside making wiping motions and threw that biohazard at the Council! The chair and security did nothing.”

— Kimberlee Goheen Elbon, Resident (clarkcountytoday.com)

“If the public doesn't stand up against this self-proclaimed sanctuary County Council, your property taxes etc. will continue to pay for this illegal immigration.”

— Kimberlee Goheen Elbon, Resident (clarkcountytoday.com)

What’s next

The Clark County Council will likely continue to face public scrutiny and debate around its policies and actions regarding immigration enforcement in the county.

The takeaway

The heated debates and disruptive behavior at the Clark County Council meetings highlight the deep divisions and strong emotions surrounding immigration enforcement issues at the local level. The council's handling of these discussions and its ultimate policy decisions will continue to be closely watched by residents on both sides of the issue.