Spokane: City Council Bans Use of Private Property for Detention Facilities

~ During Monday's Legislative Session, the Spokane City Council unanimously passed an interim emergency ordinance that would prohibit the use of private property for detention facilities within city limits. The ordinance, introduced by Mayor Lisa Brown, was approved with a 6-1 vote.

The decision comes as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) looks to procure new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities. The ordinance aims to restrict private property owners from leasing their land to DHS, ICE, or any other entities for detention purposes in commercial, industrial, and residential zones across the city.

Mayor Lisa Brown stated, "Cities have the power to push back against harmful federal actions. This ordinance ensures that we are prepared and that Spokane remains a safe place for all who live here."

Council Member Paul Dillon also expressed his support for the ordinance, saying, "This is a proactive step to protect our residents. Our neighbors are being sent to detention centers where they are stripped of their basic human rights and forced to live in squalid conditions. We must stand together and not allow this to happen in Spokane."

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Council Member Zack Zappone echoed these sentiments, stating, "These DHS detention facilities are inhumane. They have deplorable conditions and violate the fundamental principle of due process. By preventing a local 'Alligator Alcatraz,' we are sending a clear message that Spokane will not tolerate cruelty towards our immigrant and refugee neighbors who simply want a better life for themselves and their loved ones."

Council Member Betsy Wilkerson also emphasized the importance of this ordinance in upholding Spokane's values. She stated, "This ordinance is a clear statement of our city's values. We believe in protecting the dignity, safety, and constitutional rights of everyone in our community. While the federal government has its own authority, it does not mean that we must make our private land and neighborhoods available for policies that conflict with our local priorities and principles. This action draws an appropriate line, affirming our commitment to humane treatment and pushing back against federal overreach that does not reflect the will or values of our residents."

The emergency interim zoning ordinance will go into effect immediately and could potentially be permanently incorporated into the City of Spokane's development regulations as part of the Comprehensive Plan Update. This decision showcases Spokane's determination to protect the rights and well-being of all its residents, regardless of their immigration status.

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