Community Engagement

MESSAGE TO THE PORT TOWNSEND COMMUNITY REGARDING ICE IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT

January 24, 2026

Given the concerns and tensions regarding ICE operations in other communities, we would like to restate the commitment of the City of Port Townsend and the Port Townsend Police Department to serve and protect all members of our community regardless of immigration status.  This is not new policy and it is something we continue to commit to regardless of what is happening elsewhere.

Both Washington Law (Keep Washington Working Act) and Port Townsend Police Policy prohibit our officers from assisting ICE or any other federal law enforcement entity with federal civil immigration enforcement. Federal immigration enforcement is not the function of local law enforcement, and officers are prohibited from taking action based on a person’s immigration status.

You can also listen to Chief Olson and Deputy Chief Kamal Sharif discuss this topic generally on KPTZ’s most recent “Brewocracy Now” radio show: https://kptz.org/2026/01/22/brewocracy-now-1-22-26/  (Starts at 17:44 in the recording).

Port Townsend Police do not have jurisdictional authority over ICE or any other federal law enforcement agency. Federal law enforcement act in accordance with federal law, and it is against federal law for anyone, including Port Townsend Police Officers to interfere with their operations.  To this date, we are unaware of any activity or planned activity by ICE in or around our community.

That said, should anyone in our community observe a situation that creates a public safety concern, please call 911 and report it. Port Townsend Police will respond and assess the situation and take action to ensure public safety, keeping in mind that ICE has the authority to seize and arrest people within the scope of federal law.

Mayor Amy Howard, City Manager John Mauro, and Chief Thomas Olson want all PT residents to know that no one in our community should fear calling 911 for help due to their immigration status. We are here to protect everyone.

BlueBridge program

The City of Port Townsend’s Police Department has recently started a partnership with BlueBridge Alliance to implement a local BlueBridge program aimed at enhancing community outreach efforts.

BlueBridge enables officers to provide immediate, short-term financial relief to community members in distress. This assistance may include food, clothing, fuel, shelter, transportation, or help with affording necessary medication.

Through BlueBridge, the Port Townsend Police Department seeks to:

• Provide immediate short-term assistance to those in critical need.
• Improve public relationships with local law enforcement, where compassion is a core value.
• Have a positive impact on officer morale.
• Continue to strive for reducing crime and fear of crime.

The local BlueBridge program is made possible by donations from residents, businesses, churches, and civic organizations. These donations can be monetary or in-kind contributions of goods and services, and 100% of BlueBridge funds are utilized through the program to help those in need.

Donate to the Port Townsend BlueBridge program: https://bluebridgealliance.org/porttownsendwapd/

Learn more about BlueBridge: https://bluebridgealliance.org

Opportunities to Engage with the PTPD