Spokane Mayor's Proposal to Redirect Police Funds to Immigrant Group Ignites Heated Debate
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown has ignited a fierce controversy by proposing to allocate $100,000 from police outreach funding to support the Spokane Immigrant Rights Coalition. The move has drawn sharp criticism from some community members and officials, who question the selection process and the mayor's broader approach to public safety.
Funding Shift Details and Mayor's Justification
The proposed funds, which would come from a police outreach budget separate from the department's general operations, are intended to assist the coalition in providing emergency support services. These include temporary housing, child care, immigration hearing assistance, interpretation services, and required medical exams for migrants.
In a public statement, Mayor Brown defended her proposal, emphasizing the importance of supporting immigrant communities. 'The Trump Administration’s policies have torn families apart and resulted in job loss,' she declared. 'These are valuable members of our Spokane community and providing financial support is a tangible way we can support them.'
Police Department's Role and Council Support
Councilwoman Kitty Klitzke explained that the funding decision originated with Police Chief Kevin Hall, who has discretion over the outreach budget. 'That was a choice by Police Chief Kevin Hall, and it’s fair for him to make that choice if he feels that would improve the relationship between the community and police officers,' Klitzke stated, according to local reports.
If approved by the city council, the $100,000 would be channeled through the coalition's Community Justice Fund. Deputy City Administrator Maggie Yates clarified that the funds cannot be used for lobbying activities or legal representation, ensuring they are directed solely toward practical support services.
Controversy Over Coalition Selection and Allegations of Bias
The selection of the Spokane Immigrant Rights Coalition has not been without controversy. Jennyfer Mesa, executive director of Latinos En Spokane and a former coalition member, voiced strong objections. She claimed her organization was never notified about the funding opportunity and argued that the coalition lacks the proper infrastructure to administer the funds effectively.
Mesa further alleged that her group has had to correct mistakes made by the coalition on multiple occasions, including one incident involving a 10-year-old elementary student. Councilman Michael Cathcart also raised concerns, noting the coalition's historical ties to Fuse Washington, an organization that supported Mayor Brown's election campaign. Fuse was originally launched by Jim Dawson, who helped establish the coalition but is no longer associated with it.
City officials have countered these claims, asserting that the coalition was chosen through a fair process and that all relevant organizations were properly notified of the funding opportunity.
Broader Criticism of Mayor Brown's Crime Policies
The funding proposal comes amid ongoing criticism of Mayor Brown's approach to crime and public safety in Spokane. Residents have expressed frustration with what they describe as soft justice policies that have negatively impacted downtown areas.
One notable policy involves distributing free Narcan (naloxone) alongside smoking paraphernalia purchases in downtown zones, part of an effort to address the fentanyl crisis. While similar measures have been implemented in other Democratic-led cities, some Spokane residents remain skeptical of their effectiveness.
Local resident Sunny Earles voiced a common concern: 'I’ve been on the east side of Washington State for a fairly short time and Spokane has become a dump. It’s embarrassing how city leaders let downtown of formerly a sweet little town go to hell.' Earles described disturbing incidents, including public indecency in parks, which have made downtown areas feel unsafe.
Looking Ahead: Council Decision and Community Impact
As the city council prepares to vote on the funding allocation, the debate highlights deeper tensions over resource allocation, immigration support, and public safety strategies in Spokane. The outcome will not only determine the immediate future of the $100,000 but may also shape broader discussions about community policing and immigrant integration in the region.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Mayor Brown for additional comment on the controversy, as stakeholders await the council's final decision.
