Seattle City Council unanimously passes 1-year moratorium on new detention centers

SEATTLE — The Seattle City Council Tuesday unanimously passed a bill to temporarily ban new detention centers.

The bill, sponsored by Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, puts a one-year moratorium on permit applications for detention centers in the city. This includes the development, expansion or conversion of existing buildings into detention facilities.

“To the constituents of Seattle, we hear you loud and clear. You’ve been asking us to use every tool in our toolbox to get ICE out of Seattle. Today’s action is a step forward in that effort. We will not facilitate this cruel, inhumane, and lawless agenda,” said Rinck.

In recent months, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has purchased buildings across the country with the purpose of converting them into new detention centers. According to federal planning documents, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been eyeing expanded detention capacity in the Pacific Northwest, including the Tacoma processing center.

On March 3, the King County Council passed a one-year ban on new detention centers within the county.

“Here in Seattle, we reject the reckless violence and escalations that rounding people into detention centers has inflicted the country,” Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans said. “Pausing detention centers to consider long-term solutions is just one example of how Seattle’s local leaders are working together closely to protect all of our communities from lawless mayhem. Local government is the first line of defense, and I am grateful to Councilmember Rinck for her leadership in this legislation to keep our communities safe.”

The city council's move follows similar actions by the cities of SeaTac, Tukwila, Renton, Spokane and Kent.

The measure moves to Mayor Katie Wilson's desk for signature.