Speaking during public comment at the recent Spokane Valley City Council meeting, a Spokane resident argued the proposed resolution “will lead to the disintegration of the already flimsy trust that exists here with the police and members of the community.” On April 1, the Spokane Valley City Council voted 5-2 to reaffirm that the city is not a sanctuary city. In 2016, the city first affirmed that it is not a sanctuary city, but with the passing of the Keep Washington Working Act, this resolution conflicted with state law. The city council argued they needed to update the resolution to make it comply. But why now? The 2016 resolution has conflicted with state law for over five years.
During the meeting, City Council Member Al Merkel assured that this new resolution had “no teeth.” In theory, he is correct. Spokane Valley Police Officers are required to follow state law. Among other things, the Keep Washington Working Act “prohibits local law enforcement agencies from … providing information to federal immigration authorities for purposes of civil immigration enforcement.” Breaking state law would lead to a lawsuit similar to the one against Adams County Sheriff’s Office where the Washington State Attorney General argued they illegally collaborated with federal immigration officers. That being said, the City Council’s decision is absolutely going to have an impact. The “Not a Sanctuary City” resolution will only serve to deeply frighten our greater community.
A nationwide wave of fear is on the rise. Due process is not being followed, Brown and Black North, Central and South Americans are demonized as ruthless gang members, and a green card seemingly means nothing. This resolution is nothing but a message. Spokane Valley does not support immigrants and is itching in wait for the Keep Washington Working Act to be eliminated. The only outcome of this message is more fear. Fear that police will be encouraged to break state law. Fear that constitutional protections will be broken. Fear that the city you live in is out to get you.