Shoreline council adopts ordinance barring civil immigration enforcement on city property

Shoreline's City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 10-59 on April 27, 2026, adding a new chapter to the municipal code to prohibit civil immigration enforcement on city-owned or -controlled property unless authorized by a judicial officer.

Deputy City Manager John Norris presented the staff report and said the ordinance would codify the council's February 23 direction to develop rules that restrict staging, processing sites or temporary detention on city property. Norris told the council staff had identified about 46 locations that would be appropriate for signage to communicate the prohibition and recommended adoption: "Staff recommends council adopt ordinance number 10 59." (John Norris, Deputy City Manager).

Council member Scully moved to adopt the ordinance "as recommended by staff," and Council member Ademasu urged support, saying the city must prioritize protections and humane treatment: "We must advocate for constitutional protections and humane treatment for all." (Council member Ademasu).

At the public-comment period before the vote, resident Norbert Steele said he supported the signs but questioned whether enforcement would be effective if local law-enforcement partners refused to comply: "So obviously, yes, put up the signs, but like I said, it just rings a bit hollow" unless county or regional partners follow the rules. Steele also raised broader concerns about policing and the retail-theft program.

The clerk called the roll after council discussion and each member voted "Aye." The ordinance was approved unanimously. Council instructions and staff comments indicated the next steps would be for staff to fabricate or contract for signage and to install it at identified locations if the ordinance becomes effective; no effective date was specified in the meeting presentation.

The ordinance includes an explicit exception for activities authorized by a judicial officer and does not apply to the city right-of-way, according to the staff report.

The council made no amendments to the ordinance during the meeting. Following adoption, staff said they are prepared to move forward with outreach, sign fabrication and installation, and will return to council with any implementation details or timelines as needed.

What happens next: staff will proceed with sign procurement and installation at the identified locations and will provide follow-up materials to the council on implementation and any additional operational impacts identified during deployment. The council did not set an implementation deadline during the meeting.

(Reportage based on staff presentation and council discussion at the Shoreline City Council meeting, April 27, 2026.)