We, the City Council, condemn the senseless killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis last week. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and community.
Over the last year, this federal administration has continued to promote actions and policies that sow fear and anxiety in our communities. This fear has become so pervasive that many of our neighbors now share their concerns only in whispers, afraid that speaking out – or even being seen – could put their families at risk. The shooting of Ms. Good is the latest consequence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s reckless tactics.
We are deeply alarmed by reports documenting the far-reaching damage of these operations, including tragic accounts of individuals who have died while in federal custody. Independent media investigations, including recent data published by ProPublica, indicate that these tactics have resulted in the wrongful detainment and mistreatment of over 170 U.S. citizens. Combined with reports of deaths in ICE custody, this statistic underscores a chaotic approach to enforcement that endangers everyone, regardless of immigration status.
Whenever safe and feasible, the City of Tacoma’s use of force policies require de-escalation that is available and appropriate and mandate warnings before the discharge of a weapon. We hold our Police officers to these high standards because the City of Tacoma is committed to protecting the rights and welfare of all its residents.
Everyone in Tacoma deserves to live safely, with dignity, and without fear.
A year ago, that commitment guided the Tacoma City Council to adopt Resolution 41627, a City of Tacoma policy aligned with the state’s Keep Washington Working Act. The Washington State Keep Washington Working Act restricts how local law enforcement can cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. This resolution further prohibits all other City resources from being used to assist federal immigration enforcement with civil immigration duties when not required to by state or federal law or in response to a lawfully issued court order. We deepened that commitment with the passage of Resolution 41817 directing the City Manager to clarify the policies governing the use of City-owned property is about ensuring that our public assets remain dedicated to the public functions for which they were established.
Tacoma is a city that champions and celebrates diversity. Our strength comes from standing up for and in solidarity with our neighbors, no matter their identity, race, religion, immigration status, or national origin. Tacoma will continue to work within its legal authority to defend democracy and protect due process rights for every resident. As a Council, we will continue to expand protections for immigrants and refugees who call Tacoma home and everyone seeking their unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness here in the future.
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