City manager says Yakima briefly appeared on DHS 'sanctuary cities' list; city seeks clarification
Summary
City Manager reported that the Department of Homeland Security briefly published a list naming Yakima as a 'sanctuary city,' then removed the list; city staff and the federal delegation were asked to clarify criteria and potential impacts on grants and programs.
City Manager Vicky Baker told the Yakima City Council on June 3 that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had briefly published a list that included Yakima as a 'sanctuary city' and then removed the list.
Baker said the list did not include criteria explaining why some jurisdictions were named and others were not, and that the county was not on the list while the city appeared. "We are working with our lobbyists and federal delegation to figure out why we were on the list, what does it mean, if it has any impact on anything here at the city," she told council. "We really don't know why we are on that list."
She reiterated that the city follows applicable state and federal laws regarding immigration enforcement and said staff are tracking whether the listing could affect federal grants or other programs. Council members asked clarifying questions and Baker said she would return with more information as staff learn it.
Why it matters: an unexplained federal designation could carry reputational or programmatic implications if it were tied to funding eligibility. The city is awaiting guidance and confirmation from DHS or congressional representatives before reaching conclusions.
Next steps: staff to coordinate with the city's lobbyists and the federal delegation and report back when more information is available.
