Spokane moves to 'defund police,' give cash to migrant programs

Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown on Monday proposed redirecting $100,000 from the Spokane Police Department’s public outreach budget to fund assistance programs for immigrant and refugee families when a member is arrested, detained, or deported by federal immigration agencies.

The funding would go to the Spokane Immigrant Rights Coalition (SIRC), a network of nearly a dozen local leftist immigrant and refugee organizations, through the coalition’s Community Justice Fund, which provides financial help to immigrants and refugees through SIRC’s member groups.

Brown said the proposal comes after city leaders met with local immigrant and refugee residents to hear firsthand about the uncertainty many are experiencing. She claimed federal immigration policies under the Trump Administration were a driver of family separation and economic disruption, including job losses. “Over the past several months, members of my Administration and I have had the opportunity to sit down with local immigrant and refugee residents to hear their stories: their fears, their hopes, and the very real challenges they are facing,” Brown said. “The Trump Administration’s policies have torn families apart and resulted in job loss. These are valuable members of our Spokane community, and providing financial support is a tangible way we can support them."

Advocates say the proposal could fund basics like housing costs when a household’s income or “caregiving structure” is disrupted by a member being deported, arrested, or detained by ICE.

“The City of Spokane’s $100,000 investment in the Community Justice Fund would strengthen immigrant families’ ability to remain housed, access timely emergency care, and navigate moments of challenge with dignity and security,” said Margot Mejia, an early childhood engagement specialist and community advocacy liaison with Refugee & Immigrant Connections Spokane.

City Council President Betsy Wilkerson said, “Supporting our immigrant community isn’t just about providing emergency help; it's about standing united during difficult times. This allocation demonstrates our commitment to upholding our city’s motto, that 'In Spokane, We All Belong,' and making sure every community member feels safe and supported, regardless of their background.”

Jerrall Haynes, director of the city’s Office of Civil Rights, Equity and Inclusion, added, “When immigration enforcement removes a wage earner or caregiver from a household, it does not just impact one person. It can destabilize an entire family or community. By allocating these funds to SIRC, the City of Spokane can help out in those emergency moments and cover basic needs so families can stay on their feet while navigating an incredibly difficult time.”

The proposal would require approval through the city’s budget process.