Mayor Lisa Brown released the following statement on the federal governments detainment of local community leaders

Federal agents detained several Spokane community leaders this morning, allegedly for their roles in a June 11 demonstration at an ICE facility. Mayor Lisa Brown publicly condemned the detentions, labeling them as politically motivated and a violation of the U. S. Constitution. She criticized the Trump Administration for what she sees as the weaponization of ICE and the Department of Justice, which she claims instills fear within the community.

Spokane has long been recognized as a welcoming city for immigrants and refugees, fostering a diverse population. Brown urged the federal government to establish legal pathways for individuals fleeing violence, asserting that such actions would enhance America's reputation globally. She highlighted the importance of community leaders in advocating for immigrant rights, emphasizing their role in shaping local policy. This incident underscores the ongoing conflict between local communities advocating for immigrant rights and federal immigration enforcement. The mayor's statement reflects broader concerns about the implications of such detentions on community cohesion and immigrant safety.