Seattle socialist mayor bankrolls deportation defense for illegal aliens through $4 million taxpayer-funded initiative

In an October 16 statement, Wilson touted continued spending on legal services, rapid response efforts, and assistance for immigrant workers and businesses. Her announcement was circulated in English, with translations advertised in Spanish, Somali, Chinese, and Vietnamese.

“My office is sustaining four million dollars in ongoing support for immigrant and refugee communities, funding legal services, rapid response, and assistance for immigrant workers and small businesses,” Wilson said.

Seattle’s Legal Defense Network funding solicitation announced an additional $1.25 million annually for services including deportation proceedings, challenges to ICE detention, and efforts to obtain relief from final removal orders. Eligible clients include low-income immigrants who live, work, or attend school in Seattle, or who are detained or face removal proceedings in the city. The city’s broader Immigrant Rapid Response Program explicitly offers services regardless of immigration status.

Wilson then instructed: “If you are threatened or in danger, call 911. To report a bias incident, contact the Seattle Office for Civil Rights.”

The announcement sent in Somali follows Wilson’s dismissal of calls to investigate alleged fraud involving Somali-run daycares. Wilson was previously asked whether she had authorized Seattle police or the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs to investigate the allegations. “No,” she replied. “This whole issue is not really about fraud,” Wilson said, adding: “It's about making an immigrant community a target.”

In September, TPM reporter Katie Daviscourt investigated more than 20 Seattle-area daycare locations, raising questions about more than $5 million in public funding. At several locations, no children appeared present or nobody answered the door. Records reviewed in the investigation showed Daisy Family Childcare received nearly $2 million and collected about $70,000 monthly.

SEIU 925 responded by targeting the journalist. In a September 22 email to lawmakers and early-learning leaders, union Political and Legislative Director Erin Haick accused Daviscourt of “harassing Somali child care providers” and participating in a “sustained, racist attack.” Haick disclosed that five programs mentioned in the reporting were union members.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown had similarly criticized independent journalists who have been investigating providers since December. In an official statement, Brown said Somali providers were being accused of inadequate fact-checking and directed those experiencing threats or harassment to police or his office’s Hate Crimes & Bias Incident Hotline.

Approximately $37 million in questionable childcare payments were identified by auditors, as well as 1,372 subsidy overpayments totaling more than $2 million.

Seattle’s immigrant-support spending extends beyond attorneys. A city announcement designated $280,000 for community grants covering neighborhood alert systems, volunteer recruitment, rights presentations, family safety planning, and assistance with meals, towing fees, and immigration fees.

The City Council appropriated the $4 million in late 2025, before Wilson took office. Her administration subsequently pledged to distribute it alongside restrictions on using city-owned and city-controlled property for civil immigration enforcement and instructions for police to verify and document reported federal enforcement activity.