Residents urge Shoreline Council to agendize 'Fortify Washington' resolution amid reported local detentions

Dozens of residents at the Feb. 9 Shoreline City Council meeting urged the council to add a model "Fortify Washington" resolution to its agenda and pass it within two weeks, citing recent local detentions and alleged abuses of immigrants.

At the start of public comment, Nicole Solano of Shoreline told the council, "I urge you all to please read the model resolution, add it to your agenda within the next 2 weeks, and then pass it," and asked for a show of hands from those in the room who supported the proposal. Multiple speakers followed, urging prompt action.

Speakers described fear in their neighborhoods after what they said were recent detentions and alleged unlawful stops. Noah Williams, who identified himself as a member of the Transit Riders Union, read a union resolution and called for operational protocols at transit agencies and intervention by local law enforcement to protect riders; he said union members "wish to ride transit in peace without the fear of harassment or kidnapping." Rick McClurg and several other Shoreline residents said neighbors had been taken from public places and called on the council to act.

Supporters frequently cited human-rights concerns and past local commitments: Spencer Ponti referenced Shoreline's 2017 Resolution 401 and told the council leaders "have a special responsibility not to stay silent in the face of discrimination, harassment, or hate against any of our residents." Other speakers tied the request to personal family histories and asked the council to send a clear signal that immigrant neighbors are welcome.

Mayor Robertson acknowledged the comments at the end of the public comment period, saying, "It's inspiring and we hear you," but the council did not vote on the requested model resolution during the meeting. No staff or council member directly responded with a motion to place the model resolution on the Feb. 23 agenda in this session; the mayor moved the meeting on to consent-business and the council approved the consent calendar by roll call.

The meeting record shows the council received the public comments and is scheduled to take up several items — including the comprehensive plan docket — at a Feb. 23 meeting; residents who asked for a near-term vote on the Fortify Washington model resolution said they expect the council to agendize it quickly.