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City manager: No indication federal detention sites are being considered in De Moines; staff to draft council statement
Summary
City Manager Katherine Caffrey told council there is no evidence that ICE or DHS is seeking detention sites within De Moines. She said detention centers are not a permitted land use locally, the Port of Seattle has limited leasing for such uses, and staff will prepare a mayoral/council statement clarifying the city’s position and zoning constraints.
City Manager Katherine Caffrey briefed the council about regional reports that the Department of Homeland Security or Immigration and Customs Enforcement might be seeking facilities near the airport in South King County. Caffrey said those reports include a private-sector RFP for a detention facility and that nearby jurisdictions have adopted moratoria or statements. She emphasized that the city has received no communications or permit applications indicating interest in De Moines and that detention centers are not a permitted use under existing city zoning.
Caffrey added that the Port of Seattle Commission passed a measure declining to lease warehouses for such uses and that, practically, De Moines has little available land suitable for a detention facility. She said staff would draft a public statement for the mayor and council to clarify the city’s position and the limits of its zoning. Council members sought clarity that there is no current imminent threat and discussed the limits of local zoning versus eminent domain powers at the state or federal level. No formal action was taken.
