Representative Jayapal, Mayor Durkan, and Executive Constantine Condemn Trump Administration’s ICE Raids

Washington, D.C. –  Today, U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan and King County Executive Dow Constantine issued the following joint statement condemning the Trump Administration’s plans for large-scale raids on immigrant communities:

“We strongly condemn the Trump Administration’s threats to conduct large-scale raids targeting immigrant families across the country. The political decision to order ICE raids will distract and drain resources from real public safety threats and will cause widespread fear and uncertainty for all immigrants in their daily lives.

“President Trump announced today that he will postpone the planned raids, which were to start tomorrow, for two weeks.  However, threatening to conduct raids if Congress does not approve a border supplemental funding package amounts to hostage taking.

“Let’s be clear: our region won’t be bullied. We assure all of our constituents that we will not allow local and county officials and resources to be utilized for these immoral immigration raids, should they ever be conducted in the Seattle/King County area. We believe every resident, regardless of their status, should be able to do everyday activities like call 9-1-1, visit the library, or access City and County services knowing that they are protected, and our law enforcement will never participate in these politically driven, cruel immigration arrests and raids.

“Although Seattle was not listed among the initial cities targeted for these raids, we encourage immigrant families and loved ones who are concerned to review Know Your Rights information.

“We remain committed to defending and protecting all of our community members, regardless of immigration status. The doors of our offices are always open to provide assistance. We encourage people to step forward to pursue congressional, county, and city resources, including casework assistance, legal services through the Seattle-King County Immigrant Legal Defense Network, and more.

“Our neighbors who hail from other parts of the world make our communities stronger and more vibrant. We will never stop fighting alongside you and we will continue to reject and resist the Trump Administration’s attacks on our communities and will provide support to our immigrant communities to ensure they feel welcome in Seattle.”

Issues: Immigration