EVERETT — Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin issued a directive Wednesday outlining the city’s response to federal immigration enforcement, aiming to protect residents’ privacy and civil rights amid growing concerns over aggressive tactics by federal agents.
Franklin signed Mayoral Directive 2026-01 on Feb. 25, announcing it during the City Council meeting that evening. The measure, effective immediately, establishes protocols for city staff, restricts access by federal immigration agents to city facilities without a warrant and emphasizes collaboration with community leaders to support immigrant families and businesses.
“We’ve heard directly from residents who are afraid to leave their houses because of the concerning immigration activity happening locally and across our country,” Franklin said in a statement. “It’s heartbreaking to see the impacts on Everett families and businesses. With this directive, we are setting clear protocols, protecting access to services and reinforcing our commitment to serving the entire community.”
The directive comes as communities nationwide grapple with heightened immigration enforcement under the federal government, which Franklin described as “deeply concerning.”
“Everett is a safe and welcoming community,” the directive states. “Our focus is, and always will be, to serve everyone in our community and maintain trust with our residents. Our community thrives when those who live in it are treated with dignity and respect and feel safe and stable in their daily lives.”
First, the directive calls for an internal policy review, training and preparation. This includes forming an Interdepartmental Response Team with representatives from the mayor’s office, legal, public safety and other departments to ensure protocols protect residents’ privacy and comply with Washington state law. All city departments must review policies related to immigration enforcement, with regular updates to adapt to changing federal conditions. Staff will receive training on information privacy and protocols for notifying superiors about immigration activity near city facilities.
The Information Technology Department is tasked with ensuring camera systems in police, transit and municipal court comply with cybersecurity policies, including audits.
Second, the directive emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders and business support. The city’s engagement team will coordinate regular meetings between the response team and Latino and immigrant community leaders, including groups like the Latino Education Training Institute, Connect Casino Road and Snohomish County Indivisible.
Governmental affairs staff will build a regional network with other mayors, county and state officials to align response plans and leverage resources if enforcement creates unsafe conditions. The mayor’s office will seek guidance from the governor and attorney general on coordination and potential resource allocations during large-scale operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.
Economic development staff will partner with organizations like the Everett Area Chamber of Commerce to promote immigrant-owned businesses and encourage local patronage. The city will also facilitate “know your rights” resources for immigrant communities and provide referral assistance to businesses on workplace protocols protecting immigrant customers.
Third, the directive addresses control and access to city property. Absent a warrant or a non-immigration-related mutual aid request involving Everett police, federal agents conducting immigration enforcement are barred from non-public areas of city facilities. Employees spotting such activity on city property must notify department directors, who will alert the mayor’s office or response team. Non-public areas will be marked with signage prohibiting unauthorized access.
Finally, it renews Everett’s commitment to constitutional policing. The Everett Police Department complies with the Keep Washington Working Act and does not participate in civil immigration enforcement. Officers responding to calls involving federal immigration officials must activate body cameras and document interactions, routing reports to the mayor’s office, legal department and response team.
Officers observing excessive force by federal agents are expected to intervene when safe, Mayor Franklin said during Wednesday’s City Council Meeting. An action, undoubtedly will expose the Everett Police Department and the City of Everett to significant risks, including federal criminal liability.
Records requests from immigration officials will be reviewed by the legal department to ensure compliance with disclosure laws. The city also pledges to monitor technologies used for crime-solving, with user agreements, restrictions and audits to safeguard privacy.
The full directive is available on the city’s website
Author: Mario Lotmore
