08/18/2026
I want to be clear from the start: I do not support ICE’s actions in our communities, and I do not welcome ICE in Federal Way. Our immigrant and refugee neighbors are an important part of the fabric of our city. They are our friends, families, coworkers, business owners, students, and so much more, and they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
I’ve also seen the reports today about possible ICE activity in and around Federal Way. As far as I’m aware, the City has not received official notification or confirmation of these reported sightings, and it’s important to remember that federal immigration enforcement is separate from our local police department. ICE does not coordinate its activities with the Federal Way Police Department.
For me, this is deeply personal. I am an immigrant and a naturalized United States citizen. I have my Certificate of Citizenship, yet I find myself carrying that certificate with me wherever I go because I do not trust ICE.
There is something deeply troubling about feeling that I need to carry a document proving that I belong in the country I call home. History has taught us lessons on why we should pay attention when people begin to feel they must carry papers to prove who they are, where they belong, or whether they have the right to be somewhere. As an immigrant, those lessons are not abstract to me. Carrying my Certificate of Citizenship today makes me think about that history and about the responsibility we have as Americans to protect the freedoms and constitutional rights generations before us fought to secure.
I understand the fear and uncertainty many of our neighbors and families are experiencing. I’m doing what I can, and I will continue monitoring what is happening in our community and sharing reliable information when it becomes available.
Until then, please continue supporting our neighbors, making sure people know their rights, and looking out for one another. Federal Way is stronger because of the people who call it home, and I will continue standing with our immigrant and refugee communities.
Know your Rights Resources:
1) https://www.atg.wa.gov/know-your-rights-civil-immigration-enforcement
2) https://www.ilrc.org/community-resources/know-your-rights
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are my own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the City of Federal Way, or other Federal Way City Council members.