SPOKANE, Wash – A proposal being considered by a Spokane committee could designate portions of public parks as non-public so that immigrations officers and other federal agents wouldn’t be allowed to enter them without a warrant.
Spokane’s Urban Experience Committee discussed the ordinance, found on page 57 of this agenda, at its meeting Monday.
The ordinance would authorize the Spokane Park Board to make the designation, which has to be done because of the way the city charter separates city property and parks.
The ordinance cites “recent changes in federal immigration policies and practices have caused fear and uncertainty in our communities” and cites a 2018 ordinance already passed by the city council that restricts warrantless entry of federal agents onto city property.
The ordinance gives the park board and parks director the authority to “designate portions of City parks to be non-public or restricted areas due to employee and resident safety concerns.”
The ordinance is proposed by Councilwoman Lili Navarette, who represents district 2. She mentioned the increasing concern for safety by members of some ethnic groups in Spokane.
She mentioned that this ordinance was the first draft and that she is open to amendments.
“We’re specifically doing this ordinance for federal agents,” Navarette explained. “As you’ve seen, they have been going to places without warrants which is unlawful by the Constitution.”
She said the goal is for immigrant communities to feel safe from that action if they have events in Spokane parks.
Councilman Michael Cathcart expressed concerns over the ordinance and said it needs a full legal review.
He also mentioned the upcoming parks levy and said if this ordinance were to be approved, the city should remove the levy from the upcoming ballot until there can be more discussion and input from the community.
“I believe the public should have full knowledge that we are considering such a radical change to how we do parks in this community,” he said.
Cathcart said he doesn’t believe this could be implemented.
Councilman Jonathan Bingle spoke as the liaison to the park board and said the board opposes the ordinance.
There was no vote taken in Monday’s meeting, just a discussion before the committee could decide to send the matter to the full city council.
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