Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell signed executive orders strengthening protections and limiting cooperation with federal enforcement in an effort to defend the city’s immigrant communities from ICE raids and overreach by federal grants. 

“The first Executive Order protects local communities and control over law enforcement resources in the event that federalized National Guard troops are deployed to Seattle,” said a press release from the city of Seattle.

The second executive order expands support for immigrants and blocks federal agents from using city property or conducting masked raids in Seattle.

Seattle’s stance toward ICE is shaped by its long-standing “Welcoming City” ordinance, passed in 2003, and the statewide “Keep Washington Working Act” of 2019. Under these policies, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) is prohibited from making arrests based solely on immigration status.

While SPD can collaborate with ICE on criminal investigations, it cannot participate in civil immigration enforcement. The city also follows a “don’t ask” policy, meaning city employees are not allowed to inquire about a person’s immigration status when providing services – except in rare felony-related cases.

Additionally, both the city and King County refuse to honor ICE detainer requests unless accompanied by a judge’s warrant. These detainers are requests from ICE asking local jails to hold someone beyond their release date for immigration purposes. Seattle officials have said complying without a judicial warrant would violate residents’ constitutional rights and undermine community trust in local law enforcement.

In recent months, tensions between Seattle and ICE have grown. In June 2025, Mayor Harrell publicly opposed potential ICE tactical unit deployments to the city, reaffirming Seattle’s limited cooperation with federal immigration raids. 

Later, in September, Harrell criticized an ICE ad campaign aired in Seattle that encouraged local police officers to join the agency – calling the ads “disappointing” and “insulting” to the Seattle Police Department.

As of October 2025, Seattle is led by Mayor Harrell, and Chief of Police Shon Barnes. Harrell, elected as Seattle’s 57th mayor in 2021, is currently running for reelection in the November 2025 election. 

His administration has focused on improving public safety, addressing homelessness, and expanding affordable housing across the city. Most recently, Mayor Harrell signed a series of executive orders destined to protect Seattle’s immigrant communities, and reiterate the city’s unwavering support for First Amendment rights.

These keep local control over the Seattle Police Department Department and set clear guidelines for how city law enforcement interacts with Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement.   

Chief Barnes was sworn in as the city’s 38th police chief in July 2025 after being confirmed by the Seattle City Council. Before taking on the role Chief Barnes served as Chief of Police in Madison, Wis. 

His current priorities include improving recruitment and retention within the department, strengthening community engagement, and ensuring officer safety and wellness – key areas as Seattle continues working toward stronger trust and collaboration between law enforcement and residents.