Public and council members raise concerns about federal immigration enforcement and protests near Seattle Federal Building

Public commenters and several council members raised concerns about immigration enforcement activity near the Seattle Federal Building and the policing of related protests.

In public comment, a speaker identified as Rose said legal observers were barred from monitoring activity outside the Federal Building and described worries that people attempting to detain or remove residents were not identifying themselves. Howard Gale, a remote commenter, criticized the Seattle Police Department’s response to recent demonstrations and raised concerns about biased policing during protests. Victoria Palmer, an executive board member of the King County Republican Party, criticized the mayor’s response to a separate public gathering at Cal Anderson Park and called for civility and equal treatment.

The nut graf: After the public-comment period, several council members said they visited the Federal Building to observe and to meet with immigrant advocates. Council member Rink said she went to the Federal Building following reports that legal observers had been asked to leave and described constituents who are facing immigration proceedings, some with green cards whose cases were being dismissed by federal judges and who were then detained. Council member Moore asked what specific actions the council could take beyond statements; Rink and other members suggested bearing witness, accompanying residents to court where appropriate, and using office platforms to elevate the issue. Council members emphasized professional, coordinated responses by local officials and urged city institutions to continue providing services to all residents regardless of immigration status.

Council member Kettle and Hollingsworth urged local agencies and protesters to act professionally and responsibly; Hollingsworth said elected officials’ official observations and statements carry weight and called for continued solidarity and protective measures. The council did not take a formal vote or adopt a resolution at the meeting; members discussed possible next steps, including joint visits to the federal courthouse and inquiries into whether local police can request federal agents identify themselves during operations.

No formal directives or legal requirements were adopted on the floor; members said they would continue outreach with advocacy groups and monitor developments.