Mello applauds Council on immigration

The Pierce County Council passed Resolution No. R2025-139s with a 4-3 vote, affirming its commitment to public safety and equitable access for all residents, including immigrants and refugees. The resolution establishes that county resources will not be used for federal immigration enforcement unless legally mandated, aligning with the federal Immigration and Nationality Act and Washington State’s Keep Washington Working Act. Councilmember Bryan Yambe drew comparisons to historical injustices faced by Japanese Americans during World War II, emphasizing the need to protect constitutional rights. The resolution also encourages elected County officials to develop and publicly share their policies, with a report due to the Council’s Health and Human Services Committee by August 31, 2025.

Critics of the resolution, including Council Vice Chair Paul Herrera and Sheriff Keith Swank, expressed concerns about the implications of supporting undocumented immigrants. They warned that the resolution could create a false narrative about the security of being undocumented. Additionally, the Council voted to discontinue the use of E-Verify due to known issues with the system that disproportionately affect immigrants. The resolution reflects a broader commitment to community-first values while aiming to reduce liability for the county.