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Federal Way schedules April town hall after residents raise ICE concerns; police say they comply with state law
Summary
After multiple residents raised concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity and data sharing, the city announced a town hall for April 30 to clarify policies. The police chief said the department 'fully complies' with the Keep Washington Working Act and has no record of ICE operations in Federal Way.
The City of Federal Way will hold a public forum on April 30 to address resident concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity and the city’s policies, Mayor Frell said at the March 3 council meeting.
Resident Lana Bostik urged the council and Police Department to issue a clear public policy describing how residents are protected, asked the city to confirm whether Flock license‑plate cameras share data with ICE, and cited the 2019 Keep Washington Working Act as a model for local protections. "I am urging the council and the Federal Way police to make a public statement before that that shows exactly how our citizens can and will be protected," Bostik told the council.
The mayor told speakers the city is planning a town hall for April 30 that will include immigration concerns among other community issues and said the council is arranging a retreat to address internal process questions.
Responding directly, the city’s chief of police described the state law and the department’s current practice: "The Federal Way Police Department, city of Federal Way, fully complies with the Keep Washington Working Act," the chief said. He explained that Washington law prevents local jails from honoring ICE detainers and that Federal Way does not perform immigration enforcement. "We do not honor detainers in jail facilities," the chief said, adding the department has "no record of Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducting an operation in the city of Federal Way" and advising residents to call 911 if they believe enforcement activity is occurring.
Council members and other speakers also referenced earlier accounts raised at a recent town hall and by state lawmakers that ICE had appeared in neighborhoods; Council Member Sephidawson said she had heard a similar account shared publicly by a state representative. Council members urged residents to follow the forthcoming town hall for more detail.
Why it matters: Federal Way is a diverse city. Residents told the council that unclear policies can increase fear and confusion among immigrant families. The planned town hall is intended to provide updated information on local enforcement practices, data sharing with third parties, and how residents can seek help or clarification.
Next steps: The mayor said the city will secure a site and publish details for the April 30 town hall. The Police Department said it will continue to brief the council and community on its legal obligations and policies under state law.
