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Redmond officials say no confirmed ICE operation in city; police cite state limits on cooperation
Summary
After social media reports that ICE was operating locally, Redmond police said they could not confirm activity in the city, noted the incident reported was in Bellevue, and reminded residents that the Keep Washington Working Act limits local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
City officials told the Redmond City Council on June 17 they had no confirmed evidence of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in Redmond and urged residents to verify warrants and report suspicious activity.
Council Vice President Forsyth noted that the location circulated online bore the name “Redmond” but was technically in Bellevue. The police chief said investigators were unable to verify the social-media reports and that, under current practice, federal agencies do not always notify local law enforcement in advance of operations.
The police chief reminded residents that entry into a residence by federal agents typically requires a judge-signed warrant and that the department cannot intervene in federal immigration enforcement but can help verify whether individuals are federal agents and advise residents on steps to take. He said the department did not confirm activity in Redmond on the day in question.
Council members described community fear and asked whether the police department could help with outreach. Council Member Fields said fear is widespread, including among long-term legal residents, and asked whether the chief’s office could partner with the mayor’s office to counsel and assist community groups. The police chief said he has met with members of minority communities and offered to partner with the mayor and council on outreach.
Council leadership said they had received a request from Centro Cultural Mexicano to convene community-based organizations serving immigrant residents and that they would follow up. Mayor Bernie said city staff would help organize a meeting and that, because of community safety concerns, the city would consider formats that do not require a full televised quorum so participants would feel comfortable.
The police chief and council reiterated that Washington’s Keep Washington Working Act restricts local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement as a matter of state law and that residents with concerns should call police for verification or check whether a warrant is signed by a judge.
No enforcement action by the council was taken; the city said it would pursue outreach and verification steps and invited residents to use city resources and the police non-emergency line to report concerns.
