UPDATE: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has sharply criticized Everett, Washington, Mayor Cassie Franklin for issuing a controversial directive that significantly limits immigration enforcement within the city. The directive, announced earlier this week, restricts federal agents’ access to non-public areas of city buildings without a judicial warrant, escalating tensions between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement.
Mayor Franklin’s directive establishes strict protocols for city staff, including law enforcement, aiming to protect immigrant residents and ensure public safety. “We’ve heard directly from residents who are afraid to leave their houses because of concerning immigration activity locally and across our country,” Franklin stated at a city council meeting. “It’s heartbreaking to see the impacts on Everett families and businesses.”
ICE swiftly condemned the directive, claiming it “escalates tension” and allows city law enforcement to interfere with their operations. The agency argued that Franklin’s actions put communities at greater risk and undermine their efforts to remove criminal illegal aliens. “Working AGAINST ICE forces federal teams into the community searching for criminal illegal aliens released from local jails — INCREASING THE FEDERAL PRESENCE,” ICE declared in a post on X.
Franklin’s directive aims to address fears of racial profiling and the impact of federal enforcement on local families. The mayor emphasized that it includes several key provisions: prohibiting federal immigration agents from accessing non-public areas without a warrant, requiring immediate reporting of enforcement activity, and mandating clear signage to enforce access limits. “We want everyone in the city of Everett to feel safe calling 911 when they need help,” she added, underscoring her commitment to community safety.
In response to ICE’s accusations, Franklin clarified that the directive is intended to foster a cooperative environment between the city and its residents, especially those from immigrant backgrounds. “It’s been heartbreaking to see the racial profiling that’s impacting Everett families,” she noted, highlighting the emotional toll of federal immigration policies.
The directive also calls for an internal review of immigration enforcement policies and staff training, including the establishment of an Interdepartmental Response Team. This team will coordinate responses to federal immigration enforcement while promoting immigrant-owned businesses and providing resources on workers’ rights.
As tensions continue to rise, the situation in Everett reflects a broader national debate about immigration enforcement and local governance. Mayor Franklin’s directive is a bold stance that may inspire similar actions in other cities grappling with federal immigration policies.
What happens next is critical. With ICE’s strong disapproval and ongoing community concerns, the fallout from this directive is likely to unfold rapidly. Residents and local officials are watching closely, as the implications for public safety, community trust, and federal-local relations remain uncertain.
Fox News Digital has reached out for further comments from both Mayor Franklin’s office and ICE, and developments will continue to be monitored closely. As this situation evolves, residents and stakeholders in Everett will be keenly aware of the immediate impacts on their daily lives.
