Seattle City Council Approves Plan Requiring Local Police to Monitor ICE

The new resolution aims to document potentially unlawful acts by federal immigration agents during enforcement actions.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Seattle City Council unanimously approved a plan that requires the police department to document evidence of potentially unlawful acts by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during immigration actions. The resolution also condemns ICE for the deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis in January and requires the city to install over 600 signs prohibiting ICE enforcement on city property.

Why it matters

The move by the Seattle City Council is part of a broader effort by local governments to increase oversight and accountability of federal immigration enforcement actions, which have faced criticism for alleged misconduct and excessive use of force in some cases.

The details

Under the new resolution, Seattle police officers are required to investigate, verify, and document any reports of immigration enforcement activity. They must also monitor the actions of federal agents, validate their identities, and secure scenes to gather evidence for potential prosecution. The resolution also condemns ICE for the deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis and requires the city to install over 600 signs prohibiting ICE enforcement on city property.

  • The Seattle City Council unanimously approved the plan on March 4, 2026.
  • Mayor Katie Wilson first announced the executive order behind the plan on January 29, 2026.

The players

Katie Wilson

The mayor of Seattle who issued the original executive order that led to the city council's approval of the plan.

Robert Kettle

The chairman of the Seattle City Council's Public Safety Committee, who said the measure was necessary given the 'substandard' behavior of federal immigration agents.

Mike Solan

The former president of the Seattle Police Officer's Guild, who criticized the mayor's executive order as an attempt to 'pit two armed law enforcement agencies against each other.'

Kent Loux

The new president of the Seattle Police Officer's Guild, who did not respond to a request for comment.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency whose agents' actions during enforcement operations in Seattle and Minneapolis prompted the city's new oversight measures.

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What they’re saying

“The concept of pitting two armed law enforcement agencies against each other is ludicrous, and will not happen. I will not allow SPOG members to be used as political pawns.”

— Mike Solan, Former President, Seattle Police Officer's Guild (X)

“Federal law enforcement actions with ICE and Customs and Border Patrol, have not been to the standards that we expect from law enforcement.”

— Robert Kettle, Chairman, Seattle City Council Public Safety Committee (The Center Square)

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.