Kirkland officials say local police will not enforce federal civil immigration laws; urge residents to call 911
January 17, 2026 | Kirkland, King County, Washington
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Kirkland Mayor Kelly Curtis and Police Chief Mike St. Jean said the Kirkland Police Department will not use city resources to enforce federal civil immigration laws and urged residents to call 911 if they feel a situation is unsafe.
"The events unfolding throughout the country related to federal immigration officers are unprecedented in our nation's history," Mayor Kelly Curtis said, framing the city's statement as a response to national developments. "As mayor, I want you to know that the Kirkland City Council is committed to serving everyone who calls Kirkland home, no matter where you were born."
Police Chief Mike St. Jean said the department's priority is public safety and described the limits of local authority: "The Kirkland Police Department is not involved in civil immigration enforcement. Under state law, the Kirkland Police Department cannot use our resources, facilities, or personnel to enforce federal civil immigration laws." He added that when residents call 911 they "will be contacting the local dispatch center, not immigration authorities," and that officers "will always respond to calls and will assess the situation to ensure safety for all." Chief St. Jean also noted that "Kirkland officers cannot obstruct any lawful Federal enforcement, but we can verify that they are Federal officers."
The city has published a webpage with guidance on what the City of Kirkland can and cannot do regarding federal immigration enforcement, including information on rights for immigrants and observers; Mayor Curtis said the page will be updated as more information becomes available. The officials made no new legislative changes or formal motions during the statement.
The remarks were presented as informational guidance rather than a policy vote. The city provided steps residents can take during encounters involving federal agents and reaffirmed a commitment to make immigrants and refugees feel safe and welcomed in Kirkland.
"We know these are challenging times. And we will get through them together," Mayor Curtis said, closing the statement.
"The events unfolding throughout the country related to federal immigration officers are unprecedented in our nation's history," Mayor Kelly Curtis said, framing the city's statement as a response to national developments. "As mayor, I want you to know that the Kirkland City Council is committed to serving everyone who calls Kirkland home, no matter where you were born."
Police Chief Mike St. Jean said the department's priority is public safety and described the limits of local authority: "The Kirkland Police Department is not involved in civil immigration enforcement. Under state law, the Kirkland Police Department cannot use our resources, facilities, or personnel to enforce federal civil immigration laws." He added that when residents call 911 they "will be contacting the local dispatch center, not immigration authorities," and that officers "will always respond to calls and will assess the situation to ensure safety for all." Chief St. Jean also noted that "Kirkland officers cannot obstruct any lawful Federal enforcement, but we can verify that they are Federal officers."
The city has published a webpage with guidance on what the City of Kirkland can and cannot do regarding federal immigration enforcement, including information on rights for immigrants and observers; Mayor Curtis said the page will be updated as more information becomes available. The officials made no new legislative changes or formal motions during the statement.
The remarks were presented as informational guidance rather than a policy vote. The city provided steps residents can take during encounters involving federal agents and reaffirmed a commitment to make immigrants and refugees feel safe and welcomed in Kirkland.
"We know these are challenging times. And we will get through them together," Mayor Curtis said, closing the statement.
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