Through the Static

At the February 23 Tukwila City Council meeting, the group unanimously voted to enact a six-month moratorium on applications for detention centers in Tukwila. The moratorium is currently in effect, and this decision comes after WIRED broke news about DHS working to obtain new facilities in nearly every state, including Riverfront Technical Park owned by the Sabey Corporation. 

“We know that they are going to come here and break more laws, andit is up to you— our government— to figure out what to do when that happens, not if,” one community member said during the public comment period. “If you have to fine the shit ut of them, I don’t care. If you have to pull as many fucking permits as possible, I don’t care. That is your job.” 

City staff said that in about mid to late December, the federal government issued a pre-solicitation notice, with interest in operating a detention facility alongside a private entity, with approxiately 1,500 beds in the general Seattle area. Staff said DHS has not issued a request for proposal, an application, or a permit. 

Public comment took up most of the meeting’s time, with teachers speaking into the microphone to express how their students are being impacted by DHS and ICE operations. A former marine, a Russian immigrant, and residents from across the county pleaded with the council to reject ICE oeprational plans; some stated the moratorium was simply not enough, as it does not prevent DHS from privately leasing from local businesses, but this issue falls within private property rights. The city would be able to step in if DHS were to violate an office-space lease, but the city would not be monitoring the agreement. 

“Y’all are small potatoes, but mice can roar. Y’all have power,” Bob Barnes said, adding how the Shoreline Community Council was also holding a meeting at the time with a focus on keeping ICE out of its district. 

Heavy emotions felt within the audience reverbereted through the councilmembers.

“The topic of immigration is nothing new to me..my first memory of my childhood is at a detention center,” Councilmember Armen Papyan said. “I hope you realize that from our council as well, this is a subject we really care about.” 

Under the six-month moratorium, public input is scheduled for April 13, and Tukwila city staff will review current regulations and develop a working plan. It will then decide if the moratorium should be extended up to a full year. 

With tears in her eyes, Councilmember Jane Ho, said that as the daughter of an immigrant, she lives through these fears daily, which traumatize her family, and thanked everyone for turning out. 

“This country, at one point in time was nice to my family. They held on to that dream,” Councilmember Ho said, citing how this such dream is not coming true for many.

Councilmember Ho clearly stated that every email and every comment sent in about this issue has been read, and that the city supports the community. 

“I’ve had family deported. I have family in detention centers right now,” Councilmember Ho added. “To see you guys all here being so supportive for one another, it really warms my heart and gives me hope.”