As immigration authorities sweep the Inland Northwest, the Spokane City Council is considering an ordinance to ban federal law enforcement from entering certain areas without a warrant.
Councilmember Lili Navarrete proposed the idea Monday as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, patrols the city. Having emigrated from Mexico City in 1988, Navarrete wants to provide a refuge for others as the agency makes headlines over its activity in Spokane.
State law prohibits local law enforcement from aiding federal immigration authorities, so although the city can’t do much to stop ICE, it could slow the agency down. Federal agents need a warrant to raid private property, but not public parks unless the city designates them as private.
“I just want to put out here that this is our first attempt,” Navarrete said Monday. “This is our first draft, and we’re always open to amendments.”
According to the proposal, “nonpublic” generally means any area inaccessible to the community without restriction. Residents or patrons must obtain permission or a ticket before entering these spaces, but only temporarily for the duration of the private use as approved by the city.
