 Click the image to watch KING 5's coverage of the moratorium action
This week, I was proud to cosponsor an ordinance, brought forward by my colleague Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, that implements an emergency one-year moratorium that immediately blocks acceptance of permits for new or expanded detention facilities in unincorporated King County. The moratorium prevents the siting of publicly or privately operated facilities, including potential ICE detention centers.
King County has a long history of protecting and supporting immigrant residents and communities. I’m glad we took this step to continue that legacy in light of everything that is happening with our federal government’s immigration operations.
At the King County Council, we will be working on additional protections in the coming days and weeks, but in the meantime, here are additional resources for individuals to be prepared:
The Washington Immigration Solidarity Network (WAISN) has compiled a list of resources, including what your rights are in an encounter with immigration agents and upcoming trainings if you wish to learn more. If you witness immigration enforcement activity or arrest or if your family has been impacted by an immigration operation, you can call or text the WAISN Deportation Defense Hotline at 1-844-724-3737.
You can also reach out to the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. They support immigrants, asylum-seekers, and refugees, regardless of immigration status. In general, they assist individuals with an income of 200% or less of the federal poverty level. King County residents can call 206-587-4009 or 800-445-5771 Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM-12:00 PM and 1:00-4:00 PM or email seattlefrontdesk@nwirp.org.
It’s finally happening. On Saturday, March 28 at 9:00 AM, light rail will cross the I-90 bridge and connect the 2 Line on the Eastside to the 1 Line from Federal Way to Lynwood, at last completing the vision our region voted for with Sound Transit 2.
As a longtime Sound Transit board member and a regular transit rider, this is a momentous event for me and my constituents. I started my time as an elected official in Bellevue fighting for this very moment and could not be more thrilled that fast, efficient, reliable light rail will provide all King County residents and visitors a way to move seamlessly throughout our region.
 Photo courtesty of Festival of Color
On Sunday, March 8, from 12:00-5:00 PM, you are invited to Redmond City Hall for the Festival of Color, the Pacific Northwest’s original and largest color celebration. This event marks Holi, an Indian holiday welcoming spring and celebrating the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and kindness over cruelty. Enjoy live music, joyful dancing, delicious food, raffle prizes, and color throws every half-hour (wear something that can get colorful!). Entry is free but you have to register. Don’t miss this vibrant event!
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