Olympia, WA Immigration Policy: Sanctuary Policy Preemption (2026)

Chapter 12.75 of the Olympia Municipal Code, Prohibition Against Use of City Owned or Controlled Properties for Civil Immigration Enforcement, was added by Ordinance 7461 in 2026. It is a local measure built on the City's power as property owner, not a general sanctuary ordinance. Section 12.75.040(A) says City property shall not be used to assemble, mobilize, process persons, or deploy personnel, vehicles, or equipment for civil immigration enforcement, or for surveillance or logistical coordination by ICE, CBP, or any federal law enforcement agency. Section 12.75.030(F) defines City owned or controlled properties to include municipal buildings, garages, parking lots, parks, playgrounds, plazas, vacant lots and storage facilities, but not the public right-of-way used for pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Any use of that property requires the express permission, consent, or permit of the City. City departments are to use physical barriers such as locked gates, or post the signage text quoted above, where appropriate and as City resources allow. Under 12.75.040(D), a City employee who becomes aware of attempted or actual use for federal civil immigration enforcement must immediately report it to the department director or the office of the City Manager. The City Manager designs a signage template for private owners, businesses, nonprofits and faith institutions that choose to post a Stand Together Olympia partner notice, and those owners assume their own legal risk.

The chapter admits that the City of Olympia cannot prevent ICE or CBP or other federal agents from immigration enforcement activity on private property. Section 12.75.050 exempts property under an existing lease or concession agreement and preserves the execution of judicial warrants, court orders and enforcement of criminal law.