Issaquah council forwards request for public reporting on federal immigration enforcement

Council member Nichols introduced a new-business request at the March 16 meeting asking staff to draft a proposed ordinance that would establish periodic public reporting on federal immigration enforcement activity within Issaquah.

Nichols said an administration memo dated March 2 already clarifies Police Department practices — including efforts to verify arresting agents, attempts to confirm federal custody, securing residences left open after enforcement activity, and arranging care for unattended children — but that knowing what happens in practice remains difficult for residents and the council.

"This new business item asks the staff to come back with a draft ordinance that establishes periodic public reporting on these categories of activity," Council member Nichols said, adding that the goal was to build "the best shared picture" of what is happening in the city even if the data are imperfect.

Council members expressed support for the idea but noted complexity and sensitivity; deputy council leaders and other members stressed the importance of transparency to counter social-media rumor mills and to maintain public trust. City staff, including the city attorney and police chief, were present and will provide a preliminary staff response at the April 20 council meeting.

Council member Nichols moved to forward the item to April 20 for a staff response; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.