In a move to boost confidence in public institutions among immigrant communities, Pierce County has officially taken a stance on immigration enforcement. The Pierce County Council recently passed Resolution -R2025-139s, backed by Executive Ryan Mello, which aims to cement trust between residents and County services, regardless of immigration status. According to the county's announcement, the resolution was approved with a 4-3 vote and supports the principles set out in the state’s Keep Washington Working Act.
The approved resolution was driven by Mello's earlier directive in March, which clarified the county’s hands-off approach, to immigration enforcement. It reiterated that immigration is a federal matter, and thus, the County departments will not be entangling themselves in the collection or dissemination of immigration status information in non-criminal matters. "The people we’re talking about are neighbors and friends who work hard, are raising families and, in many cases, have lived here a long time," Mello told Pierce County officials. "They contribute their skills and their time to strengthening our economy and our neighborhoods." The resolution does not change existing county policies on involvement in criminal investigations, but it does remove the County departments from non-criminal immigration enforcement activities.
Backing from community members has played a role in the passage of the resolution. Katie Jackson, a nurse at a local hospital, supported the resolution, emphasizing its importance not only for immigrant residents but also for the broader community, which includes immigrants as essential workers and patients. "All residents should feel safe seeking legal, health, and emergency services in Pierce County," Jackson stated in her comments on the county's website before the Council.
Ongoing challenges in immigration policy have been a source of anxiety for various American communities, the response from Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello seems to be seeking a balance between law enforcement and the cultivation of an environment of inclusivity and safety. This resolution, specifically applicable to departments under the executive branch, allows for separately elected officials to adopt similar guidelines. As per the state law, local law enforcement agencies, and courts will submit their policies to the state Attorney General for review. The resolution was sponsored by Councilmembers Hitchen, Ayala, Denson, and Yambe, each playing a part in this local government's attempt to navigate federal, state, and county roles, in immigration enforcement.
