City Council Bans Use of Private Property for Detention Facilities

City Council Bans Use of Private Property for Detention Facilities

Giacobbe Byrd, [email protected]

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 11:27 a.m.

During Monday's Legislative Session, the Spokane City Council approved an interim emergency ordinance that would prohibit the use of private property for detention facilities in the City of Spokane. The ordinance, which was introduced by Mayor Lisa Brown, was approved on a 6-1 vote.

As the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeks to procure new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities, the ordinance would restrict private property owners from leasing to DHS, ICE, or other entities for detention purposes in commercial, industrial, and residential zones across the city.

"Cities can fight back against harmful federal action," said Mayor Lisa Brown. "This ordinance ensures we are prepared, and that Spokane remains a safe place for all who live here."

"This is a proactive step to ensure Spokane is protecting our residents," said Council Member Paul Dillon. "Our neighbors are being sent to detention centers, where they're stripped of their basic human rights and forced to live in squalid conditions. We must stand together to not allow this to happen in Spokane."

"These DHS detention facilities are inhumane," said Council Member Zack Zappone. "They have horrible conditions and violate the basic principle of due process. Preventing a local 'Alligator Alcatraz' is another way our City can say enough is enough to this lawless administration and it's secret police. Spokane will not be host to cruelty towards our immigrant and refugee neighbors who simply want a better life for themselves and their loved ones."

"This ordinance is a clear statement of Spokane's values," said Council Member Telis. "We believe in protecting the dignity, safety, and constitutional rights of everyone in our community. While the federal government has its own authority, that does not mean Spokane must make its 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."

As this is an emergency interim zooming ordinance, this goes into effect immediately and could then be permanently incorporated into the City of Spokane's development regulations as part of the Comprehensive Plan Update.

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