Mountlake Terrace council unanimously adopts resolution affirming support for immigrants after public concern about ICE activity
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Summary
After public comments reporting recent immigration enforcement activity in Mountlake Terrace, the City Council unanimously approved a resolution affirming support for immigrant neighbors and endorsing the state Keep Washington Working and Courts Open to All acts.
The Mountlake Terrace City Council on Monday unanimously approved a resolution affirming the city’s support for immigrant residents and endorsing state laws intended to protect access to services and courts.
The measure, presented by the deputy city manager and advanced by community members, was prompted by recent reports and public concern about federal immigration enforcement in Snohomish County. Public commenter Audrey Meyer thanked city staff for a Jan. 30 statement by city management and the police chief clarifying what local police can and cannot do regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and asked the council to “pass this resolution unanimously.”
The resolution, as read to the council, cites the Fourth Amendment and specifically references the Washington Legislature’s Keep Washington Working Act (2019) and Courts Open to All Act (2020) as state protections the city wishes to highlight. According to the presentation, the resolution reaffirms the city’s commitment to being welcoming, encourages educational outreach about residents’ rights, and supports programs that promote community safety and equity.
Councilmember William Page framed his vote in personal terms, describing his family’s multi‑generational immigrant history and saying the resolution is a statement of the values he wants to leave to his children. “Immigrants are not aliens. We’re not rapists. We’re not murderers, drug dealers, terrorists, fraudsters,” Page said, adding that the resolution “speaks to humanity” he intends to protect in office.
Councilmember Sam Doyle described constituent reports of missing students and neighbors and urged local action and education alongside the formal resolution. “As a city, we’re limited in power by laws, but it doesn’t mean that we are powerless,” Doyle said, urging civic engagement and community support for affected neighbors.
Councilmember Murray moved to adopt the resolution; Councilmember Doyle seconded. The motion passed with the council recording the outcome as approved (6–0). The resolution directs the city to encourage implementation of educational initiatives and community resources described in the text, and to continue outreach to immigrant residents.
City staff and the DEI commission worked with Mountlake Terrace Rapid Response to prepare the language and recommended accompanying outreach. The resolution does not change local enforcement authority; it affirms policy priorities and signals the city’s intent to coordinate education and resources for residents.
The council did not schedule additional immediate action beyond the resolution vote; staff indicated they will follow up on outreach and education items identified by community groups and the DEI commission.
