We do not engage in immigration enforcement activities

"When I observe the actions taken by federal law enforcement in California and along the West Coast, I’m reminded of why I became a police officer.

It is my job to support the rights of our community. I want to be clear: the Seattle Police Department does not engage in immigration enforcement activities.

We do not ask for or collect information about a person’s immigration or citizenship status unless it is directly related to a state or local criminal investigation.

That is, of course, the sole responsibility of the federal government.

My responsibility is the safety of the people of Seattle.

We comply with Washington state law, which limits our involvement with federal immigration authorities for enforcement purposes.

Here in Seattle, no one should be afraid to contact the local police to report a crime, ask for help, or assist in an investigation.

Our officers are here to serve everyone, regardless of immigration status."

The Seattle Police Department released a video of police chief Shon Barnes announcing that their department “does not engage in immigration enforcement activities.”