Community groups urge council to adopt Keep Washington Working resolution supporting immigrant and refugee protections

Multiple speakers addressed the committee during public testimony urging support for a resolution endorsing the Keep Washington Working Act and protections for immigrant and refugee residents.

Tia Mawa, a political organizer with Asians for Collective Action, said Spokane’s immigrant and refugee families contribute to the city and urged council to reaffirm protections so immigrants feel safe accessing services: “Committing to the Keep Washington Working Act helps foster a climate of safety, trust, and opportunity for all residents,” she said. Jackie Garcia of Miam Mujeres in Action described how immigration status intersects with domestic‑violence and sexual‑assault cases and said immigration protections are critical so survivors can seek help without fear. Pat Castaneda, executive director of Manzanita House, said the resolution aligns with city values and urged support for expanded legal and immigration‑defense services.

Robin Haynes of Symba (Small Business Alliance) and several other witnesses emphasized the economic role of immigrant entrepreneurs, saying many small businesses are immigrant‑owned and would be harmed if residents feared contact with law enforcement. John Alder, a community equity subcommittee member and former janitorial union member, and others testified that immigrants are “hard working people” who need language services and protection from ICE actions.

Committee staff said the version of the resolution in the meeting packet is the formally proposed draft and that the city cannot use public funds to provide legal representation for immigration matters; language changes had been made to broaden organizational references and to clarify funding limits. Councilmembers asked for no immediate changes and encouraged members of the public to review the packet’s draft when assessing the proposal.