Seattle city officials are taking proactive steps to address potential policy changes under the incoming Trump administration, focusing on immigration, abortion access, and LGBTQ+ protections. The city council, in collaboration with various offices, reviewed existing local and state laws designed to safeguard these communities. Officials are anticipating executive orders targeting immigration, health, and defense, and are preparing for potential funding changes and retaliation from the federal government. City departments are receiving 'know your rights' training and are instructed to contact the Mayor's Office if ICE appears at any city buildings.
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office, Seattle city officials are taking proactive measures to address potential policy changes, particularly concerning immigration, abortion access, and LGBTQ+ protections. The Seattle City Council convened with the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, Human Services, and the Mayor’s Office to discuss the uncertainties surrounding the incoming administration.
They reviewed existing local and state laws designed to safeguard the rights of immigrants and other communities. 'Seattle is a sanctuary city, let me be clear, that is not going to change,' said Maritza Rivera, a Seattle City Council member. City leaders are anticipating several executive orders from the Trump administration, expected to be signed on the first day, targeting immigration, health, and defense. 'We are not ignorant, we know things are coming, we just don’t know yet and the best thing that we can do is prepare and I feel confident we’re doing that,' Rivera said. Officials are also examining the federal funding Seattle receives and preparing for any potential changes. Alexis Mercedes Rinck, another Seattle City Council member, expressed concerns about possible retaliation against the city and state. 'I think there’s concern about retaliation towards the state of Washington and Seattle, we’ve seen that historically, Seattle and Washington being singled out by Donald Trump and his administration,' Rinck said. The Mayor’s Office has issued a directive to all city departments, outlining state and local protections for immigrant communities. Staff have been instructed to contact the Mayor’s Office immediately if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) appears at any city buildings to determine the next steps. City leaders are also conducting ongoing 'know your rights' training and preparing departments for potential encounters with federal authorities. They emphasized the strong state and local laws in place to protect immigrant communities and others. Officials are maintaining close communication with federal lobbyists in Washington, D.C., to monitor policy changes and combat disinformation, ensuring that everyone can access government services regardless of immigration status, race, or gender identity. 'There are a lot of things that may be out of our control in the months to come, but what is in our control is getting good information out there about the work the executive branch is doing,' Rinck said
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