ICE Accuses Everett Mayor of Escalating Immigration Tensions

URGENT UPDATE: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has just accused Everett, Washington, Mayor Cassie Franklin of intensifying tensions with federal authorities following her newly issued directive limiting immigration enforcement in the city. The directive restricts federal agents’ access to non-public areas of city buildings without a judicial warrant, a move that ICE claims jeopardizes public safety and undermines their operations.

The mayor’s directive, announced during a city council meeting this week, aims to create clear protocols for city staff, including law enforcement, regarding immigration enforcement. Franklin stated, “Federal immigration enforcement is causing real fear for Everett residents,” highlighting the emotional toll on families and businesses. She added, “It’s heartbreaking to see the impacts on Everett families,” emphasizing the community’s fear and disruption.

ICE responded sharply on X, stating that Franklin’s directive “escalates tension” and directs city law enforcement to interfere with their operations at their discretion. The agency warned that this could “put everyone at greater risk,” claiming that Franklin’s actions impede their efforts to locate criminal illegal aliens released from local jails. They argued that cooperation with ICE reduces federal presence in the community, contrasting with the mayor’s approach.

“If Mayor Franklin wanted to protect the people she claims to serve, she’d empower the city police with an ICE 287g partnership — instead she serves criminal illegal aliens,” ICE stated.

The directive encompasses several key points, including immediate reporting of federal enforcement activity on city property and mandates signage to enforce access limits. Franklin has also initiated an internal policy review and staff training to ensure compliance with state law while promoting immigrant-owned businesses and providing resources on rights and workplace protections.

In her statement, Franklin reaffirmed a commitment to “constitutional policing and best practices,” assuring the community that Everett Police would not inquire about immigration status when responding to emergencies. She emphasized the importance of safety, stating, “We want everyone in the city of Everett to feel safe calling 911 when they need help.”

The controversy surrounding this directive is escalating, with community leaders, advocacy groups, and regional governments set to meet to coordinate responses to immigration enforcement. Franklin’s directive is seen as a direct challenge to federal authority, raising concerns about its potential implications for law enforcement and community relations.

As this situation develops, observers are closely monitoring how it will affect immigration enforcement in Everett and the broader implications for similar policies nationwide. The mayor’s approach reflects a growing trend among U.S. cities to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, sparking intense debate and scrutiny.

Fox News Digital has reached out to both Mayor Franklin’s office and ICE for further comments as this story continues to unfold. Stay tuned for updates on this urgent issue impacting thousands in Everett and beyond.