Issaquah officials, residents press for protections after ICE arrest near preschool; mayor proposes $50,000 for immigrant services

Chief Schwan, Issaquah’s police chief, told the City Council and a crowded audience that the Issaquah Police Department does not ask about immigration status, does not notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when someone is arrested, and follows Washington state law on the subject.

“The Issaquah Police Department is here to serve you regardless of immigration status,” Chief Schwan said. She urged anyone who sees suspicious activity to call 911 or the department’s non‑emergency line and to document identifying information such as license plates so officers can follow up and verify identities.

Mayor Polly opened the meeting by saying the city had asked the chief to address community concerns after a widely shared incident in which federal agents detained a woman near a local preschool. The mayor said the city had communicated with witnesses and local organizations that provide services to immigrant families and recommended that the council approve a budget amendment to allocate up to $50,000 in additional grant funding to support immigration services, to be allocated by the Human Services Commission before Dec. 31.

Public commenters described fear across the community. “The fear is real,” Pastor Rick Schuel said, urging council members and the community to show visible solidarity at an upcoming Day of the Dead event to protect participants and “restore trust.” Pastor Jen Hegedorn, who said she has a master’s in public health, told the council the episode could have long‑term mental‑health impacts on children and urged “layers of protection” beyond referrals to resource agencies.

Other speakers pressed the city to investigate whether federal agents had used local automated license‑plate camera footage. James Marcart asked the city to confirm whether Newport Way cameras activated in mid‑October were accessed outside their traffic‑safety purpose; Mayor Polly and Chief Schwan said the city is investigating whether any data were accessed and promised to publicize findings.

Council members and the mayor urged residents not to intervene physically with suspected federal agents and to call 911 immediately. The mayor and Chief Schwan reiterated that local officers cannot legally stop federal agents carrying out lawful duties, but they said IPD can verify identities and investigate any reports that someone impersonated a federal agent.

Several faith leaders and community members asked the council to act quickly to get funds and support to local organizations serving immigrant families. Council members and staff discussed administrative paths to get assistance out quickly; Director Garcia indicated the council would consider the mayor’s $50,000 proposal as part of the mid‑biennium budget adjustments. No formal vote on that proposal occurred at the meeting.

The council president also read a draft statement condemning the arrest, affirming due‑process rights, praising IPD’s adherence to the Keep Washington Working Act, and pledging to work with county, state and federal officials to seek further protections and resources; the statement was read for public record but was not adopted by resolution at the meeting.

What happens next: Council and staff said they will keep the community informed about the camera/data review, will provide clearer written guidance about when to call 911, and will consider the mayor’s $50,000 recommendation during the next budget deliberations.