Bothell council adopts resolution affirming support for immigrants after city residents speak in favor

Mayor Thompson and the Bothell City Council on Dec. 2 unanimously adopted a resolution (AB 25-214) affirming the city’s support for immigrants, after a series of public comments urging the council to act.

The resolution, presented by Assistant City Manager Becky Range and Human Services Coordinator Anand Mathur, affirms support for refugees and asylum seekers, states that city staff will continue to comply with the Keep Washington Working Act and commits the city to provide privacy protections and 'know your rights' information to local businesses and residents. "The resolution ... provides affirmation of your support for our immigrant community," Range said while introducing the item.

Public speakers described personal ties to immigrant neighbors and urged the council to formalize the statement. Paul Dunham told the council he had "befriended people from Mexico, El Salvador, Argentina ..." and described immigrants as hardworking contributors to the community. Laurie Dunham described a caregiver who provided end‑of‑life care for her father and urged the council to "please pass the resolution." Other residents—Cathy Ferberche, Ray Thomas, Michael Lowry, Micah Campbell and others—also voiced support and described local outreach and education work under way to prepare businesses and residents.

Council members framed the measure as a community response to intensified federal immigration enforcement. Council member Dodd, who moved to adopt the resolution, said he would vote yes and called it "a reflection of what we asked of you and beyond." Deputy Mayor O'Connor noted the city's immigrant population share and thanked community members for organizing; multiple councilors, including Aldrichs and McCurdy, also spoke in support.

The council adopted the resolution on a roll call vote: Mayor Thompson and four other council members voted yes, resulting in a 5-0 passage. The resolution directs staff to continue complying with state law protections and to distribute 'know your rights' materials to businesses and community groups. Becky Range told the council staff will continue to coordinate with local nonprofits and to provide resources and referrals to residents.

The council moved on to other agenda items after the adoption; staff indicated no additional immediate policy steps attached to the resolution beyond the outreach and information commitments spelled out in the draft document.