Key Points
- Seattle City Council approved bill CB 121158 by an 8-0 vote on February 17, 2026.
- The bill, sponsored by Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4), prohibits all City employees from sharing non-public personal information for civil immigration enforcement unless required by law or court order.
- Legislation codifies Washington’s Keep Washington Working Act (2019) and updates Seattle Municipal Code to align with state law.
- Public Safety Committee recommended the bill 3-0 with one abstention on February 10, 2026.
- Rivera stated the measure clarifies Seattle’s values amid federal immigration actions targeting immigrant communities.
- Seattle has long-standing policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, including a 2003 “don’t ask” policy.
- Approximately 19.3% of Seattle residents are foreign-born, with King County at 24-25%.
Seattle (King County Insider) February 20, 2026 — The Seattle City Council has unanimously passed legislation barring city employees from sharing sensitive personal data with federal immigration authorities for civil enforcement purposes. This move, approved 8-0 on February 17, strengthens local protections amid heightened national immigration scrutiny.
Councilmember Maritza Rivera sponsored the bill, known as CB 121158, which explicitly amends the Seattle Municipal Code to prevent disclosure of non-public information without a legal mandate or judicial warrant. The policy extends restrictions to all city workers, beyond just law enforcement, aligning municipal rules with state protections.
Bill Details and Passage
The legislation removes outdated code language that previously encouraged cooperation with federal agencies on immigration matters. It builds directly on the Keep Washington Working Act, a 2019 state law that limits local involvement in federal civil immigration actions to safeguard communities and the economy.
As reported by staff writers at the Seattle City Council website, the bill passed after review in the Public Safety Committee, where members voted 3 in favor, zero opposed, and one abstention on February 10. Rivera emphasized during introduction that the update eliminates any ambiguity about Seattle’s position.
Councilmember Rivera, representing District 4, highlighted the need for clarity in a statement following the vote. “This bill provides clarity by amending our code to reflect Seattle’s values and brings us into alignment with state law,” she said, as detailed in the official council release.
Background on Seattle’s Immigration Policies
Seattle has maintained sanctuary-like policies for over two decades. The city’s 2003 “don’t ask” policy prohibited employees from inquiring about immigration status, setting a precedent for limited federal collaboration.
In 2019, Washington state enacted the Keep Washington Working Act, which nearly one million noncitizens—about one in seven residents—rely on for economic stability. Local leaders have reaffirmed commitments through resolutions, such as one in 2025 declaring Seattle a “Welcoming City” regardless of immigration status.
Federal tensions have escalated since President Trump’s 2025 reelection. The administration has threatened funding cuts to sanctuary jurisdictions, prompting defensive measures like Mayor Bruce Harrell’s proposed 2026 budget increase of $4 million for the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs.
As covered by FOX 13 Seattle reporters, Rivera noted the bill addresses “unprecedented and egregious actions” by ICE while conforming to state mandates.
Local Context and Impact on Seattle
Seattle’s Diverse Population
Seattle’s foreign-born population stands at 19.3%, higher than the national average, with King County reaching 25.1% based on recent American Community Survey data. This demographic grew 47% from 2000 to 2020, outpacing overall population increases, fueled by refugees and immigrants from Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
The new ordinance directly reassures these roughly 76,000 foreign-born Seattle residents and their families by shielding routine interactions with city services—from public health clinics to housing assistance—from potential immigration inquiries.
Effects on City Services and Institutions
City departments, including police, health, and social services, now operate under uniform guidelines, reducing risks of inadvertent data sharing. This could prevent scenarios where everyday administrative data leads to enforcement actions, fostering trust in public institutions.
Seattle receives about $370 million in annual federal funds, supporting programs like SNAP and HUD housing. Non-compliance threats persist, but the unanimous vote signals unified local resolve, potentially requiring legal defenses if funding disputes arise.
Balancing Local Values and Federal Pressures
This policy codifies Seattle’s long-term sanctuary ethos in a post-2025 federal landscape, where enforcement priorities have intensified under President Trump. By extending protections citywide, it minimizes operational confusion for over 10,000 employees while prioritizing community safety over optional federal partnerships. Historically, similar measures have sustained economic contributions from immigrants—who fill key roles in tech, healthcare, and hospitality—without proven funding losses, though vigilance against administrative retaliation remains essential. The 8-0 margin underscores bipartisan local consensus, contrasting national divides and positioning Seattle as a model for urban resilience.
Reactions and Next Steps
Supporters, including public commenters like Jonathan Moore, praised the bill for aligning with state law and urged stronger enforcement mechanisms. No organized opposition emerged during committee hearings.
The measure awaits mayoral signature, expected soon given alignment with prior executive policies. Implementation will involve training across departments to ensure compliance.
KOMO News reported the council’s intent to clarify stances amid ongoing ICE activities. Rivera addressed funding risks cautiously, stating she could not predict federal responses definitively.
Broader Implications
The vote occurs as sanctuary policies face national scrutiny. Washington’s Keep Washington Working Act has withstood prior challenges, protecting local autonomy.
In King County, where immigrants drive population growth—adding nearly 64,000 via international migration in 2024 alone—the policy supports workforce stability. Seattle’s actions may influence neighboring jurisdictions facing similar pressures.
This development reinforces the city’s welcoming framework, evolved from Vietnamese refugee resettlements in the 1970s that established King County as an immigration hub.
