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Lake Forest Park council affirms state immigrant-protection law, cites commitment to welcome residents
Summary
On April 10 the Lake Forest Park City Council unanimously approved Resolution 25-20-11 reaffirming the Keep Washington Working Act and declaring the city a welcoming community; residents spoke in support during public comment.
The Lake Forest Park City Council on April 10 unanimously adopted Resolution 25-20-11, reaffirming the city’s support for the Keep Washington Working Act and declaring Lake Forest Park a welcoming, inclusive community that serves residents regardless of immigration status.
The resolution, read aloud at the meeting, directs that Lake Forest Park Police Department personnel not inquire into immigration status during interactions with residents or assist in civil immigration-enforcement activities and encourages residents to seek accurate information about their civil rights.
The measure drew public comment from local residents who urged the council to take a public stand. Resident Connie Barnes said she and her husband “stand in strong support of our City Council’s resolution affirming the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of immigrants in our community.” Sally Yamasaki told the council she was “proud” the city is reaffirming the policy and urged officials to “stand for something” in a time she said many are afraid to take positions.
Council members present discussed the resolution as a reaffirmation of city values. One council member said the wording was “quite lovely” and urged that the city publicize the action; another described the resolution as a response to a national environment that has heightened fear for immigrant communities. The council agreed to issue a news flash announcing the action, as the body did previously after a related LGBTQ resolution.
The text of the resolution references the city’s prior welcoming declaration and the statewide Keep Washington Working Act, and condemns discrimination or harassment based on immigration status or other protected characteristics. The resolution also affirms the city’s intent to work with community partners to make programs and services accessible and to reduce fear among immigrant and refugee residents.
The motion to adopt Resolution 25-20-11 was moved and seconded on the floor; the council called the question and the resolution passed unanimously. The council thanked residents who spoke in favor and acknowledged city clerk McLean for synthesizing prior documents into the draft before the council.
The resolution is posted in the council packet under Resolution 25-20-11 and the council indicated it will distribute a news release to publicize the action.
