Seattle allocates $4 million to support immigrants as ICE arrests surge
Seattle is spending $4 million to aid undocumented residents while ICE arrests have risen to about 50 per month.
Seattle’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs is using a $4 million program to help undocumented immigrants as ICE detention actions have climbed to an unprecedented level, reaching close to 50 arrests per month in July and August after a year-long average of about 30 per day. Between January and June, 477 individuals were detained, many of whom have no criminal records and are integrated as workers, business owners and schoolchildren.
Roughly $2.4 million of the budget funds legal representation for those held by ICE, while partner agencies deliver English instruction, rights education and practical aid such as covering towing fees. More than a dozen community groups receive city funds. Mayor Katie Wilson reiterated that Seattle welcomes all people, and officials have begun mock ICE raids to test agency preparedness. The federal agency declined comment.
Why it matters
Rising ICE arrests strain local communities, prompting costly municipal support for undocumented residents.
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