Kent mayor and police chief say city will not make immigration status a basis for local enforcement; urge victims to call 911

Mayor Dana Ralph and Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla held a video briefing to address recent federal executive orders on immigration and to reassure residents that the City of Kent and the Kent Police Department will continue to provide services regardless of immigration status.

"For decades as a city, as a police department, we have served all of our residents without regard to immigration status," Mayor Dana Ralph said, adding that the goal of the briefing was to correct misinformation and reduce fear in the community.

The city’s statement centered on state law and departmental policy. "Your immigration status in the city of Kent is not our concern, and we don't take enforcement action on it," Chief Rafael Padilla said, noting that Kent Police Department (KPD) policy follows state law. He summarized key limits under state law, including a prohibition on officers inquiring into or collecting information about an individual's immigration or citizenship status for most purposes and limits on providing nonpublic personal information to federal immigration authorities. The chief cited the Revised Code of Washington and excerpts he said were most pertinent to residents.

Why it matters: The briefing came after new federal…