Mayor Franklin issues directive on local response to immigration enforcement; outlines jobs, housing and new outdoor event center

Mayor Cassie Franklin used her ninth annual State of the City address to announce a mayoral directive guiding Everett’s response when federal immigration enforcement is active and to lay out priorities for jobs, housing, infrastructure and a new downtown outdoor event center.

The directive, Franklin said, establishes protocols for city staff that restrict access to non‑public areas without a warrant and “reinforces our police department’s compliance with Washington state law, including prohibiting participation in civil immigration enforcement and not inquiring about immigration status.” She framed the measure as a safety and dignity issue, saying it is “not about politics, it's about safety, dignity, stability, and trust.”

Why it matters: Franklin said escalated enforcement activity is creating fear among families and businesses and hurting local commerce; the directive is intended to reduce uncertainty for residents and strengthen partnerships with immigrant‑serving organizations. The mayor named several local partners her office will work with, including Latino Education and Training Institute and Refugee and Immigrant Services…