Burien Council unanimously adopts resolution backing immigrants and refugees after clarifying surveillance language

Burien — The Burien City Council on Feb. 9 unanimously approved Resolution 531, a statement supporting immigrants and refugees, after several council members pushed amendments clarifying language on surveillance technology and adding a commitment to explore legal protections.

The resolution, which grew from a subcommittee led by Council Member Andrade and Deputy Mayor Hugo Garcia, was debated at length. Council members asked staff and the city attorney to clarify whether language in section 5 could be read to limit ordinary recording by officers or members of the public. The council approved revised language stating, in part, that "Burien believes that all people are entitled to constitutional protections and rights. Further, the City of Burien does not use or encourage the use of video surveillance such as FLOC for immigration enforcement under the current circumstances." The amendment was accepted by unanimous vote.

Supporters framed the measure as a values statement and a foundation for possible future policy work. A council member said the resolution "reflects Burien's values while remaining legally sound, fiscally responsible, and respectful of the diverse communities we serve." Staff and the city attorney noted that the city already complies with Washington’s Keep Washington Working Act and cited municipal code (Chapter 2.26) that restricts certain immigration-related inquiries by city personnel.

Council then approved an additional amendment directing the city to "explore legal avenues to better protect people within Burien, regardless of their immigration status," and listing possible follow-up actions such as mandatory notification to council of federal information requests and reviews of existing nonparticipation policies. The final resolution, as amended, passed unanimously.

The vote formalizes a statement of the council’s priorities but does not, by itself, change municipal code or create new obligations; the resolution includes language directing staff to return with options if further legal or ordinance changes are feasible.

The vote came after public comment in which a Burien resident urged the council to be ready with practical steps to protect residents amid federal immigration enforcement activity. The council said it will continue discussion in coming meetings as staff identifies legally permissible next steps.