Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Civil Rights topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Langley mayor opens meeting with Black History Month remarks and warnings about ICE enforcement
Summary
Mayor Kennedy Horstman opened the council meeting with a Black History Month reflection, named eight people who died in ICE custody this year, and urged community organizing and nonviolent resistance while emphasizing respect for the rule of law.
Mayor Kennedy Horstman opened the Feb. 2 Langley City Council meeting with a Black History Month statement that tied the observance to current concerns about federal immigration enforcement. Horstman listed eight people who died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody this year and urged the community to learn history and organize support for people most vulnerable to enforcement.
"In 2025, 32 people died in ICE custody. This year, and it's only February 2, 8 people have died while in ICE custody," Horstman said, naming individuals to underscore the point. Horstman said local officials are coordinating with county partners and law enforcement for clarity about who will respond to emergency calls and emphasized that local law enforcement may be limited in intervening with federal agents but can document incidents and take statements.
The mayor framed the comments as both a historical reminder and a practical call to community connection and nonviolent resistance. She said the council and staff are monitoring county‑level discussions and urged residents to use nonviolent tactics and mutual aid if enforcement escalates. The mayor also noted a pending local court matter and a written report submitted to the council; no formal action was taken on the mayor's statements.
