Seattle Police Chief Warns Officers Will Face Discipline for Not Documenting ICE Actions

New city policy requires police to record evidence of potentially unlawful acts by immigration agents

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes stated that any officer who violates the city's new policy requiring documentation of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, including video recording, will face disciplinary proceedings. The policy, approved by the city council, follows an executive order by Mayor Katie Williams directing police to follow protocols when federal immigration enforcement takes place in the city.

Why it matters

This policy is part of Seattle's efforts to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and protect immigrant communities. It comes amid ongoing tensions between local jurisdictions and the federal government over immigration policies.

The details

Under the new policy, Seattle police officers arriving at the scene of any federal immigration enforcement action must start video recording with their in-car and body-worn cameras, and ask for identification from ICE agents to verify they are not impersonating law enforcement. The city council also approved a plan to install over 650 signs prohibiting ICE from staging or conducting enforcement actions on city property.

  • On January 29, 2026, Seattle Mayor Katie Williams issued an executive order directing police to follow protocols for federal immigration enforcement actions.
  • On March 7, 2026, Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes testified before the city council's Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy about the new policy.

The players

Shon Barnes

The Seattle Police Chief who stated that officers violating the city's new policy on documenting ICE actions will face disciplinary proceedings.

Katie Williams

The Mayor of Seattle who issued an executive order in January 2026 directing police to follow protocols for federal immigration enforcement actions in the city.

Kent Loux

The new president of the Seattle Police Officer's Guild.

Mike Solan

The former president of the Seattle Police Officer's Guild who criticized Mayor Williams' executive order.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement actions that the new Seattle policy aims to document.

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What they’re saying

“to do the right thing at the right time.”

— Shon Barnes, Seattle Police Chief

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.