The Seattle Police Department Would Like to Clear the Air

The Seattle Police Department would like to clarify recent rumors and false media reports that have understandably fueled community concerns about alleged U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity near a school on Wednesday, April 9.

A school administrator emailed parents and community members stating an ICE vehicle had been seen near the school. This was false. The vehicle was from the Seattle Police Department as part of a commitment to prevent crime and protect students near schools where violence has become a concern.

Parents, students, and teachers can expect to see marked and unmarked police vehicles near these schools. As staffing allows, officers will be in these areas before and after school as well as around lunchtime. Officers may be wearing either the standard navy blue or a grey uniform. It is not our goal to alarm anyone with our presence as this is an effort to intervene in any issues before they escalate.

The Seattle Police Department is committed to a safe and supportive community for all people and supports the rights of undocumented people, who are often victimized and exploited. These members of our community may not feel safe coming forward when they are victims of crime. It remains the intent and commitment of the Seattle Police Department to foster trust and cooperation with all who live, work, and visit Seattle and to do all within our ability to preserve the safety and sanctity of our community.

We follow State law RCW 10.93.160 and Seattle Municipal Code 4.18.015:

1. The Seattle Police Department will not enforce civil federal immigration laws. The Seattle Police Department does not ask about an individual's immigration status unless directly connected to a criminal investigation (eg. human trafficking).
2. You are a part of the Community:
   • The City is committed to helping its employees and communities, including immigrant communities, understand laws to avoid confusion and uncertainty.
3. You have rights:
   • The Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) enforces laws against illegal discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations, and contracting.
   • SOCR will continue providing outreach and trainings, including know your rights workshops to educate individuals and renters, and educate businesses and housing providers about their obligations under the law. This includes information about immigration and citizenship status as a protected class.
4. We will protect you:
   • The Seattle Police Department Bias Crime Unit will continue investigating hate crimes, act as a resource to patrol and other follow-up units, engage in officer training, and maintain hate crime and incident data.