Seattle City Council to vote on immigration detention center moratorium

The proposed legislation would temporarily block new detention centers and expansions in the city.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Seattle City Council is set to vote on emergency legislation that would temporarily block new immigration detention centers from opening in the city. The measure would also prevent existing facilities from expanding while city leaders consider longer-term policy.

Why it matters

The proposal comes after a federal notice suggested the Department of Homeland Security may be exploring options to increase detention capacity in Seattle, raising concerns from local leaders about the potential impact on the community.

The details

The emergency measure would use the city's land-use authority to pause permits for new detention centers while the council considers permanent regulations over the next year. The legislation does not directly target federal operations, but aims to hold the line on detention centers in line with Seattle's values.

  • The Seattle City Council is set to vote on the proposal on Tuesday, March 9, 2026.
  • The emergency measure would be in place while the council considers permanent regulations over the next year.

The players

Alexis Mercedes Rinck

A Seattle City Councilmember who introduced the proposed moratorium legislation.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that filed a pre-solicitation notice suggesting it may be exploring options to increase detention capacity in Seattle.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that operates the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, one of the country's largest immigration detention facilities.

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What they’re saying

“It's frightening, simply put, it's frightening.”

— Alexis Mercedes Rinck, Seattle City Councilmember (FOX 13 Seattle)

“This legislation does not specifically target federal activities. But rather, we're holding the line to say a detention center, broadly, is not in line with City of Seattle values.”

— Alexis Mercedes Rinck, Seattle City Councilmember (FOX 13 Seattle)

What’s next

The emergency legislation is scheduled for a full council vote at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9, 2026. Seven votes are required for the measure to pass.

The takeaway

This proposal reflects growing concerns among Seattle leaders about the potential expansion of immigration detention facilities in the region, and their efforts to limit new detention centers through local land-use policies while considering longer-term regulations.