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Ferndale council gives first reading to immigration-enforcement ordinance; second reading set for March 23
Summary
Council held a first reading of a draft ordinance that would limit city resources used for immigration enforcement, prohibit entering into a 287(g) agreement, restrict collection of immigration-status information and set reporting requirements; council moved the ordinance to a second reading on March 23, 2026.
The Ferndale City Council on March 9 held the first reading of a proposed immigration-enforcement ordinance sponsored by Councilmember Kelly and moved the draft to a second reading scheduled for March 23, 2026.
City staff summarized the draft as a framework to define city resources, prohibit the city from entering into a 287(g) agreement, restrict use of city resources for immigration enforcement absent a judicial warrant or exigent circumstances, limit collection of immigration-status information to the extent legally permissible, and establish an annual reporting interval. Staff and council referenced collective bargaining considerations and the ordinance’s focus on staff actions rather than private citizens.
Councilmembers commended the work and emphasized the ordinance is intended as a starting point that can be strengthened. Kelly said she wanted a legally defensible baseline policy to protect community safety and intended the ordinance to evolve following community input and legal review. The council voted to advance the measure to a second reading; final adoption will require subsequent council action.
