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Council members ask for public statement on Tumwater police policy toward federal immigration enforcement
Summary
Council members asked Public Health and Safety to forward a recommendation to full council asking the city to publish a clear statement on whether and how the Tumwater Police Department engages with federal immigration enforcement (ICE); staff noted the department’s policy is posted on the city website.
Several council members asked the Public Health and Safety Committee to recommend that the full Tumwater City Council consider publishing a public statement clarifying the police department’s approach to federal immigration enforcement.
Council Member Kelly said community leaders of color reported feeling unwelcome and requested a clear public message, such as a statement from the chief, that describes what the police department has done and will continue to do regarding engagement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. "I'd like for that to go to council," Kelly said, asking that the issue be discussed publicly.
City Administrator Parks and Chief Mason were asked to coordinate with the committee and city attorney on a recommendation. Chief Mason noted that the police department’s policy is posted on the city website under the police department’s facts section, but council members said a more prominent statement — on social media or the city homepage — with explicit language about non‑engagement with ICE would better meet community expectations.
Committee Chair agreed to place the request on a future council agenda so the chief and the mayor can present the department’s current policy and consider a public statement. No formal motion or vote was taken during the meeting.
