King County Council to Vote on ICE Funding Guardrails

Motion calls for restrictions on Department of Homeland Security funding

Jan. 27, 2026 at 1:07pm

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The King County Council in Washington state is set to vote on a motion that would impose guardrails on funding for the Department of Homeland Security, particularly as it relates to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the region.

Why it matters

This vote reflects ongoing tensions between local governments and federal immigration enforcement, with many communities seeking to limit cooperation with ICE. The outcome could impact how ICE is able to operate in the Seattle metropolitan area.

The details

The proposed motion would require the King County Executive to develop a plan that restricts county funds from being used to assist federal immigration enforcement, including prohibiting the sharing of information and resources with ICE. Supporters argue this is necessary to protect immigrant communities, while opponents claim it could hamper public safety efforts.

  • The King County Council is expected to vote on the motion on January 27, 2026.

The players

King County Council

The legislative body of King County, Washington, which includes the city of Seattle and surrounding areas.

Department of Homeland Security

The U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, including immigration enforcement through agencies like ICE.

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What they’re saying

“We must protect our immigrant communities and limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement that tears families apart.”

— Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, King County Council Member (Seattle Times)

“This motion goes too far and could undermine public safety by restricting information-sharing with federal authorities.”

— Councilmember Reagan Dunn, King County Council Member (Seattle Times)

What’s next

If passed, the King County Executive would have 90 days to develop the plan restricting county cooperation with ICE.

The takeaway

This vote reflects the ongoing debate over the role of local governments in federal immigration enforcement, with advocates pushing for more limits on collaboration to protect immigrant communities.