The King County Council on Tuesday approved an emergency one-year moratorium blocking new or expanded detention facilities in unincorporated areas of the county, including potential immigration detention centers.
The measure, sponsored by Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, immediately prohibits the county from accepting permit applications for new or expanded detention centers, whether proposed as temporary or permanent facilities. The ordinance also aims to prevent projects from moving forward under vague or misleading descriptions while the county reviews its land-use regulations.
“King County’s land and resources should be used to support the health, safety, and well-being of our communities—not to build systems that isolate, intimidate, and harm the very people who make our region strong,” Mosqueda said.
The ordinance directs King County Executive Girmay Zahilay to study the issue and recommend possible long-term regulations within nine months.
A public hearing on the moratorium will be held within 60 days.
Leave a Reply