SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane City Council members defended their decision to accept a $1 million federal grant for police hiring during a press conference Friday, addressing concerns from immigrant communities and nonprofits who opposed the funding due to federal stipulations.
The council voted 5-2 on January 15th to approve the Department of Justice COPS Hiring Program grant. Council President Betsy Wilkerson said at today’s press event that after the vote, some community members didn’t believe their voices and concerns were heard.
Police Chief Kevin Hall, who was unable to attend today’s press event, provided a written statement defending the grant acceptance.
“I want to reassure our community that accepting funding through the fiscal year 2025 DOJ COPS Hiring Program does not change our immigration policies,” Hall stated.
Hall clarified that Spokane officers will not enforce federal immigration law or question people about their immigration status during routine policing.
“Our longstanding policy remains clear: Spokane officers do not stop, detain, or arrest individuals solely based on suspected immigration status,” Hall said.
Wilkerson said accepting the funding does not obligate the city to comply with federal mandates.
“We are accepting this grant because it funds community policing and gun violence prevention, investments that will help rebuild trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve,” said Council Member Kate Telis
Former Council Member Ben Stuckart argued that rejecting federal funding would send the money to other jurisdictions willing to comply with federal demands.
The council emphasized their commitment to the Keep Washington Working Act, which limits local law enforcement’s cooperation with immigration agents and provides state-level protections for immigrant communities. They argued that federal stipulations are unconstitutional and unenforceable based on recent court rulings.
Former Council President Ben Stuckart spoke in support of the decision, citing his personal experience with Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions.
The council committed to creating community engagement opportunities with nonprofits and communities of color. Council Member Zack Zappone said the city is prepared to return the grant money if implementation conflicts with local values.
Two council members, Cathcart and Dixit, voted against accepting the grant, citing concerns about federal stipulations.
Correction: A previous version of this story misidentified Ben Stuckart as Jonathan Bingle. It also incorrectly said Kevin Hall’s first name was Craig. The article has been updated.
