Lacey City Council proclaims support for Keep Washington Working Act 

In response to widespread fear gripping immigrant communities statewide, the Lacey City Council issued a proclamation backing the Keep Washington Working Act, a state law limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. 

The council passed the measure during its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 17, reaffirming the city’s position as a welcoming and inclusive community for residents regardless of immigration status. 

The law, adopted by the Washington State Legislature in 2019 with bipartisan support, was enacted to ensure "the rights and dignity of all residents are maintained and protected in order to keep Washington working." It requires local law enforcement agencies to restrict their participation. 

Mayor Andy Ryder pledged to use "every lawful tool available" to protect the rights of community members, and to stand in solidarity with immigrant communities against violence, intimidation and discrimination. 

The proclamation recognizes immigrant and refugee community members as an integral part of Lacey's social, cultural and economic fabric, contributing to local businesses, the workforce and overall prosperity of the community. It also commits the city to ensuring fear does not stop residents from accessing services or reporting crimes. 

Washington State Office of Equity Director Megan Matthews, who attended the meeting in a show of support, said the stakes could not be higher.  

"I can't tell you how much this proclamation means to people," Matthews said. "We get phone calls and emails, when I'm out visiting people, they're terrified. Our communities aren't good when people are terrified. We are an ecosystem, and when people are hurting, it impacts everyone." 

Matthews leads the state's Immigration Sub-Cabinet, created by Gov. Bob Ferguson through Executive Order 25-09 in September 2025 to coordinate efforts shielding immigrant communities from fear, discrimination and unequal access to services amid intensifying federal pressure. She added that putting a commitment in writing bears real weight for people who feel victimized and unheard. 

Ryder also acknowledged the Office of Equity's ongoing partnership with the city, including a homeownership workshop held last year and an upcoming summit. He also pointed to the city’s Commission on Equity as central to its governance efforts. 

Trust building between community members and local government will remain a priority, as part of Lacey's public safety and public health strategy going forward. 

Meanwhile, during the public comment period that followed, the proclamation prompted at least one call for stronger action. 

Lacey Equity Commissioner Annie Clay urged the council to issue more direct public language in addition to the proclamation. 

"I believe that the city council should make a stronger statement, a public statement that the community will really hear," Clay said. "We oppose the rounding up of noncriminals who are following the asylum and immigration protocol. We are horrified that people are being killed in the streets." 

She criticized overcrowded detention facilities that she said are holding about 70,000 men, women and children under wholly inadequate conditions. She cited scarce health care, insufficient food and little legal assistance in facilities that operate for profit. 

Clay also said some Lacey residents are already living in fear and are afraid to go to school, to the store or to work. She described those residents as vital to the “richness of the community.” 

"I think these people need to hear from Lacey loud and clear that we support them and that we have a deep understanding of the tragedy that is here," Clay said.