Seattle Council hears update on Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs

A Seattle City Council committee is hearing an update on the city’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Wednesday morning as officials try to strengthen the city’s response to the ongoing federal immigration crackdown.

The Libraries, Education, and Neighborhoods Committee chaired by North Seattle’s Maritza Rivera is holding the information session.

Led by Hamdi Mohamed, the department has grown to a $10.8 million service in the city as Seattle has increased its spending nearly 70% on efforts around refugee communities through “policies, programs, services, and community engagement.”

According to Wednesday’s presentation (PDF), the department has tracked ICE activity in the city and tallied 23 “verified ICE activities” in Seattle in the first nine months of last year as it established a Rapid Response Program with the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, Horn of Africa Services, and other organizations.

The office is also working to keep its focus on the city’s immigrant and refugee communities. According to the presentation, OIRA’s 2026 priorities include expanding the Asylum Seeker and Migrant program.

According to the presentation, the office is also moving forward with restarting the Immigrant and Refugee Commission and will update the council on its progress by May.

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