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Council expands limits on cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to county-funded contractors; ordinance passes 8–1
Summary
The council approved a proposed substitute ordinance expanding existing King County Code limits on cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to apply to health and human service contractors; the measure passed 8–1 after committee briefing and comments noting alignment with county policy.
The Metropolitan King County Council on Aug. 19 adopted a proposed substitute ordinance (2025-0216) that extends King County’s restrictions on local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to organizations that contract with the county to deliver health and human services. Councilmember Girmay Zahilay presided; Councilmember Joe Baron sponsored the ordinance and brought it forward after committee work.
Councilmember Baron said the ordinance is intended to reduce immigrant community fears that deter people from accessing essential services and thereby damage public health and housing stability. “When people don't access those services that has impacts on all of us,” Baron said during discussion, noting the county’s interest in encouraging uptake of behavioral health, counseling and case-management services.
The ordinance expands protections similar to those in existing King County Code (KCC) provisions by adding contractual requirements for county-funded health and human services providers. Council staff and the executive’s office reported they had consulted providers in behavioral health, housing and public health and incorporated feedback to limit administrative burden while increasing consistency.
Councilmember Dave Dombrowski asked about potential implementation burdens for nonprofit contractors; Baron and staff said many contractors already maintain policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and the ordinance is intended to standardize minimum expectations. Councilmember Sarah Perry voiced support, saying the legislation “moves us toward” ensuring residents can access basic services without fear.
Action taken: The council adopted the ordinance on a roll-call vote of 8 ayes and 1 no (Councilmember Dunn voted no). The ordinance was transmitted as proposed substitute ordinance number 2025-0216 and is recorded as adopted on Aug. 19.
Context: King County already restricts how county employees can engage with federal immigration enforcement; this ordinance extends requirements to county contractors who deliver public health and human-services programs. Supporters said the step will help ensure consistent safeguards across county-funded service delivery and support the county’s goals of equity and inclusion.
Speakers quoted in this article are listed in the speaker section below and quoted from the Aug. 19 council record.
