Councilmember introduces ordinance to bar warrantless immigration enforcement on city property

Councilmember Dylan introduced an ordinance to amend Section 12 of the Spokane Municipal Code to create a prohibition on immigration‑enforcement staging, processing, temporary detention and surveillance on city‑owned or city‑controlled property without a valid judicial warrant.

Dylan said the draft adds a clear definition of "city property" and would extend the prohibition to parking areas and staging locations, while exempting actions supported by a valid judicial warrant. "This is really focused on warrantless searches," Dylan said during committee remarks. The ordinance would also require an audit and map of relevant city properties and consider signage to notify the public where the prohibition applies.

Council discussion focused on enforceability and the limits of local authority. Chief Hall clarified SPD’s position that the department "has no role in federal immigration enforcement" and described dispatch protocols intended to prevent calls solely reporting immigration status from being forwarded to patrol. Council members asked for clarity on whether the city has previously 'consented' to use of city resources for federal immigration purposes and how any private right of action would operate.

Members asked staff to define "+staging+" precisely (one vehicle versus multiple vehicles or a fixed operation), to map city‑owned parcels so the public can identify covered spaces, and to coordinate messaging with the Office of Civil Rights so community members know how to report concerns. Several council members asked for a study session or work group to refine legal language and related measures (employment restrictions, signage, legal pathways for redress).

No formal vote was taken; members signaled interest in advancing the ordinance to agenda review after additional legal and operational clarifications.