Seattle police chief will punish cops who don’t film, document ICE arrests

Barnes told the Seattle City Council’s Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy on Thursday that officers who do not comply with the directive, which includes recording and documenting ICE actions, could face disciplinary proceedings.

“This would be a violation of our policy, a violation of the law,” Barnes said, according to The Center Square. “They could be placed on administrative leave per the [Seattle Police Officers Guild] collective bargaining agreement.”

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Barnes explained that officers would ultimately be subject to recommendations from the city’s Office of Police Accountability, and that an officer would have the opportunity to speak with him before permanent discipline is implemented.

The chief’s comments come after the Seattle City Council approved a plan requiring the police department to document evidence of potentially unlawful acts during federal immigration enforcement actions. In January, Seattle Mayor Katie Williams signed an executive order directing police to follow certain protocols when responding to ICE enforcement activity.

Under the policy, police must arrive at the scene of federal immigration enforcement operations and activate their in-car and body-worn cameras. They must also request identification from federal agents.

City officials have further proposed installing over 650 signs prohibiting ICE activity on city-owned property.

Seattle officials have taken additional steps aimed at protecting illegal immigrants from federal enforcement. The city has allocated $4 million to the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs to provide legal defense, rapid response services, and other assistance for illegal immigrants.