Olympia City Council issues statement on ICE: ‘We are saddened by the stories we’re hearing’
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has reportedly been operating in the Olympia area, prompting the city council on Thursday to issue a statement that urges residents to know their rights under the law.
“We are saddened by the stories we’re hearing about how people are being treated, and we are heartbroken that this is the current state of our nation,” the statement reads.
Council member Clark Gilman put a finer point on things when he told the council earlier this month that he was aware of three recent ICE incidents.
Gilman said he was part of a “debriefing” about some ICE events, adding that the incidents look just like they do on TV news. He said the three ICE incidents unfolded on Burr Road Southeast at Pacific Avenue, on Martin Way and in downtown Olympia, according to The Olympian’s previous reporting.
“Multiple vehicles and a whole bunch of people getting out with masks on to grab a person,” he said.
The city council’s Thursday statement addressed what the city can and cannot do.
“The city of Olympia is a sanctuary city, which means we are committed to being a safe haven for our residents who face persecution. We made that commitment to all our residents no matter their immigration status.
“Unfortunately, a sanctuary city is not a force field that keeps ICE out. We cannot prevent them from operating in Olympia.
“However, being a sanctuary city does mean we will not cooperate with them, and our police department does not share information with them.
“While ICE may come into our community to hunt our residents, those residents should know they are valued and welcomed members of our community whom we will do what we legally can to protect.”
Council and city staff are reaching out to senators and representatives at the federal level so that they can put pressure on federal agencies to make sure that they’re following the law, the statement reads.
The statement also directs residents to a “we have rights” website.
“We are encouraging all our residents to know their rights should they encounter ICE as they live, work and play in our city,” the statement reads.
