EVERETT, FEB. 3: At last week’s Everett City Council meeting, Mayor Cassie Franklin addressed federal immigration enforcement in response to controversial tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents across the nation.
“Like so many people across the country, I was horrified and heartbroken by the tragic deaths of Renee Good, Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, and Keith Porter in Los Angeles,” Franklin said. “As well as the disturbing federal immigration enforcement actions we’re seeing nationwide, including here in Everett.”
Franklin also shared the message on Facebook.
Increased ICE presence and tactics used by the Trump administration have incited protests across the world, including Everett.
Tensions reached a tipping point after a Minneapolis resident, Renee Good, was shot and killed by federal agents during a month-long immigration crackdown operation within the state.
Shortly after, another resident, Alex Pretti, was shot and killed by agents. The circumstances of which are still under investigation.
A vigil was held to honor the lives lost to federal agents in Everett last week, organized by Snohomish County Indivisible.
“What we’re seeing at a federal level is unacceptable and deeply concerning. I care deeply about the safety, dignity, and rights of all our residents. In Everett, our focus is serving everyone in our community and maintaining trust with our residents,” Franklin said.
Immigration enforcement tactics under the Trump administration have been scrutinized and praised by both sides of the political spectrum. Some elected officials support President Trump and his deportation tactics, while others openly disapprove and have worked to pass laws to limit federal agents.
Franklin affirmed that Everett would comply with Washington state law, in addition to city policies, which do not assist federal civil immigration enforcement. In addition, the Everett Police Department will not enforce federal immigration law and does not support ICE investigations, Franklin said.
Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Everett) released a statement Tuesday supporting the impeachment of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and urging for accountability and oversight of ICE operations.
Larsen is urging for “full, independent, and transparent investigations into all DHS-related shootings, including federal cooperation with state and local investigations, and ensure that federal agents are properly trained, appropriately supervised, and held fully accountable for their actions,” the statement from Larsen said.
Last week Washington State Republican Party Chairman Rep. Jim Walsh released a statement after Gov. Bob Ferguson denounced “out of control” ICE agents in Minneapolis.
“When leaders respond by inflaming emotions rather than calming the situation, they don’t protect the public – they increase the risk that someone will get hurt,” Walsh said. “Here’s the problem: when the governor and the attorney general frame federal agents as the enemy and act like street conflict is proof of virtue, they don’t just ‘take a stand.’ They help create the conditions for chaos.”
More than 350,000 people have been deported under President Trump’s second term, according to ICE detention statistics. As of Jan. 8, approximately 25,000 of those had no criminal record.
Everett residents have reported seeing federal agents within the city to the Everett Police Department, according to Communications Officer Natalie Given.
The last reported ICE sighting was over the weekend, Saturday. Jan. 31.
“If our officers were to witness an obvious or excessive force situation involving any other officer, including federal agents, I have every expectation that they would intervene when it’s safe for them to do so,” Franklin said.
