County Council Moves To Restrict Immigration Enforcement Activity On Public Property

On Tues., the King County Council approved legislation restricting the use of county-owned property for federal immigration enforcement operations, a move aimed at strengthening protections for immigrant and refugee communities across the region.

The proposal, led by Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda and approved Tuesday, prohibits federal agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement from using county property as staging areas, processing sites or operational bases for civil immigration enforcement.

The ordinance applies to a wide range of county-controlled spaces, including government buildings, parking lots, garages, vacant land and public parks, and also bars the use of those spaces for surveillance or logistical coordination related to immigration enforcement.

“As the federal administration imposes chaos, violence, and fear across the country, in King County, we are working together proactively to create greater stability and safeguards for our own communities,” Mosqueda said. “With this legislation, we are codifying protections against civil immigration enforcement on County property—shoring up safer spaces within King County.”

Under the new policy, county employees are prohibited from authorizing the use of county property for immigration enforcement purposes and are required to report any violations. The King County Sheriff’s Office will enforce the ordinance, including removing unauthorized federal operations from county sites.

The legislation also directs county officials to identify properties that could be used for enforcement activity and develop strategies to strengthen security at those locations, including signage and physical barriers where appropriate.

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay said the measure is intended to reinforce trust between local government and immigrant communities and ensure public spaces are not used in ways that undermine safety.

“King County will not allow our properties to be used to intimidate immigrant and refugee communities and violate their rights,” Zahilay said.

The ordinance was co-sponsored by Councilmembers Jorge Barón, Rhonda Lewis and Rod Dembowski and builds on existing county policies aimed at limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

County officials say the measure is part of a broader effort to respond to increased federal immigration enforcement activity while maintaining local control over public resources and protecting vulnerable communities.