Eddie Lin
Seattle City Councilmember Eddie Lin condemned the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Thursday, citing the recent fatal shooting of a woman by ICE officers in Minneapolis.
He said recent enforcement activity has spread fear in immigrant communities and endangered public safety.
In a statement released Jan. 8, Lin said the death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good highlights what he described as the dangers of federal immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump.
He said the ICE agents “appear to not only be acting with impunity, but the explicit approval and support of the president and his administration
Lin said ICE activity has increased in District 2— which he represents — and alleged that enforcement actions are affecting people regardless of their immigration status.
“Let me be clear—ICE is not welcome in Seattle. We don’t want you here,” he said. “As we see in Minneapolis, your lawless activity is not only threatening individuals and their families but the physical safety of all our residents.”
Lin, the son of an immigrant, emphasized the contributions of immigrants and refugees to Seattle and the broader U.S. economy.
“As the son of an immigrant, I am well aware of the incredible contributions immigrants and refugees make to our community, whether as healthcare workers, educators, scientists, engineers, drivers, restaurant workers, farm workers, or security guards… We should be celebrating and honoring our immigrant neighbors and family members, rather than tearing communities apart.”
He said city leaders would continue working to shield residents from federal enforcement actions.
“Every Seattleite should feel safe in our city, regardless of immigration status,” Lin said. “We will be working with the offices of Mayor Wilson, City Attorney Evans, and other Councilmembers – in coordination with the Seattle Police Department and other state and local agencies – to do everything in our power to protect our community from the cruel and unlawful actions of ICE.”
Seattle’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs works with partner organizations, including the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network. These groups offer valuable resources, trainings, and events serving immigrants, refugees, and anyone who wants to help support and care for these communities.