Spokane Bans Warrantless ICE Access at Permitted Events

The Spokane City Council has passed the "Safe and Welcome in Spokane" law, which bans U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from entering permitted public events without a warrant if event organizers request protection and meet specific requirements, such as coordinating with the city permitting office and clearly marking event boundaries. Despite warnings from President Donald Trump and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi that sanctuary jurisdictions like Spokane could lose federal funding for impeding immigration enforcement, the law aims to provide reassurance to event organizers and attendees, particularly within the Latino community, which had canceled events like the "Tacos and Tequila" festival due to fears of immigration raids. Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall clarified that the police department will not enforce the ordinance and cannot interfere with federal officers, but will observe and attempt to maintain peace; enforcement would fall to residents who might sue for violations. Councilmembers opposing the law expressed concerns it creates a false sense of security given the city’s limited power over federal immigration authorities. The ordinance designates permitted events on public right-of-ways as nonpublic areas requiring express permission for entry, effectively restricting warrantless ICE access. Supporters believe the law offers a legal backing that empowers communities to stand against what they view as unjust federal immigration enforcement tactics.