Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes

Executive Summary

The Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes convened its first meeting of 2026 to address three critical items related to Seattle's response to federal immigration enforcement activities. The committee unanimously approved Resolution 32194 to strengthen data privacy protections for city residents accessing services, received comprehensive briefings on the city's federal response preparations, and heard from Seattle Police Department leadership on their immigration enforcement protocols. The meeting opened with heated public testimony reflecting deep community concerns about federal immigration raids, particularly following recent incidents in Minneapolis where individuals were killed during ICE operations. Public commenters demanded stronger city responses, including shutting off surveillance cameras that could aid federal agents and implementing more aggressive intervention policies. Council Central Staff presented Resolution 32194, which reaffirms that city staff cannot require disclosure of immigration status for services and requests comprehensive reviews of data collection and sharing practices. The resolution passed 9-0 and heads to full Council on March 17. Councilmember Saka noted the underlying 2015 privacy principles need updating to match current best practices like GDPR standards. Mayor Wilson's office provided updates on $4 million in community-advocated funding for immigrant services, installation of over 650 "Stand Together" signs on city property, and coordination with other jurisdictions facing similar challenges. The administration emphasized steady, measured leadership while centering immigrant and refugee communities most affected by federal enforcement. Chief Barnes presented SPD's directive issued after the Minneapolis killings, outlining officer protocols when encountering federal immigration operations. The directive emphasizes peacekeeping, de-escalation, medical aid, and documentation while clarifying that SPD does not assist federal immigration enforcement. Officers are required to intervene if they witness excessive force by any law enforcement, per state law.

Key Decisions & Actions

**Resolution 32194 - Data Privacy Protections:** Unanimously approved 9-0. Reaffirms prohibition on requiring immigration status disclosure for city services. Requests executive review of data collection/sharing practices with federal agencies. Requires strengthened privacy standards in future contracts. Directs report back by June 30th. **Federal Response Funding Plan:** Information only. Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs developing spending plan for $4 million appropriated by Council in 2025. Focus areas include removal defense, rapid response, community organization support, basic needs assistance, and backfilling federal funding cuts. **SPD Immigration Directive:** Information only. Chief Barnes' January 15 policy directive clarifies officer protocols during federal immigration operations. Emphasizes peacekeeping, de-escalation, medical aid, and documentation. Officers must attempt to validate identity of law enforcement personnel and document all interactions.

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Notable Quotes

**Chair Rinck, opening remarks:** "We have a very robust discussion planned ahead of us today...This is the first meeting of the Select Committee for 2026 for the viewing public, I would like to note a couple of changes to the committee since we last met in 2025." **Julie Rawls, on federal immigration enforcement:** "I would want to ram I.C.E. vehicles. I could not just drive by, I would be so angry and upset and concerned. But if they do observe them, who do they call?" **Jonathan, on police accountability:** "If they so much as leave the station, the people should be able to decide every single aspect of how these cops come into our neighborhoods. Because currently they are just occupying our neighborhoods." **Howard Gill, on federal enforcement comparison:** "Imagine if we lived in a different universe, where the federal government was coming in here on a regular basis, setting fires...And then we said well, here is what the fire department can do. They cannot help them set the fires, but we really can't do anything when they set the fires." **Councilmember Saka, on privacy standards:** "This legislation is based off of and incorporates specific Seattle privacy principles, dated 2015, over 10 years ago. And the digital privacy space, it is rapidly evolving as a landscape." **Chief Barnes, on department mission:** "As chief of police, my decision-making remains grounded in the same core principles that guide every aspect of police work: peacekeeping, de-escalation, rendering medical aid, and the most transparent documentation of incidents possible."