Vancouver City Council Denounces Federal Immigration Enforcement Practices – KXL

VANCOUVER, WA – The Vancouver City Council on Tuesday issued a sweeping Public Declaration on Community Harm, Public Safety, and Human Dignity, formally denouncing the conduct of federal immigration enforcement agencies operating under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The declaration outlines the City’s position that certain federal immigration enforcement practices have caused harm to community members, undermined public trust, and threatened the safety and dignity of residents. In adopting the statement, councilmembers affirmed their intention to respond to what they described as a crisis using the full force of the City’s legal authority.

According to the declaration, the City views aggressive or opaque enforcement actions as creating fear among immigrant communities, discouraging residents from accessing essential services or cooperating with local authorities. The council emphasized that these outcomes run counter to local public safety goals and the City’s commitment to human rights and community well-being.

The document also signals Vancouver’s intent to review and, where permissible, limit cooperation between city agencies and federal immigration enforcement bodies. City leaders indicated that any such actions would be guided by existing law, with an emphasis on protecting civil liberties while maintaining public safety.

Councilmembers framed the declaration as both a policy statement and a call to action, underscoring the City’s responsibility to advocate for residents affected by federal enforcement practices. The declaration does not alter federal authority but asserts the City’s stance and its willingness to use legal tools available at the municipal level to mitigate local impacts.

City officials said the declaration reflects ongoing concerns raised by residents and community organizations and reaffirmed Vancouver’s commitment to dignity, safety, and equal treatment for all who live and work in the city.