KENT, Wash. — The fight for housing continues for 200 refugees living in tents in the city of Kent. They came here seeking asylum for atrocities in their homelands.
“We experienced kidnapping, molestations, and violence,” said Kevin Martinez, an interpreter for Linda, one of the asylum-seekers from that encampment.
Kent police told them they would be arrested for trespassing but then did not make any arrests, telling KOMO News that the King County Sheriff’s Office would not participate and they would not make arrests without that partnership.
Celebrating that tiny victory, dozens of refugees then went to Kent City Hall to speak during the city council meeting.
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"We came to ask you from our hearts if we can get some help,” said Martinez, again interpreting for Linda.
The refugees, through word of mouth, made their way to the lot they were camping on because it was adjacent to the old Econo Lodge motel. They now want the city of Kent to let them stay in the motel while they secure work permits.
“Accept the emergency housing permit so we can use it. You don’t have to spend any money. A nonprofit is going to help fix up the Econo lodge. You have nothing to lose. I strongly encourage you to do the right thing,” argued Lauren, representing Mutual Aid, South, and East King.
Mayor Dana Ralph then spoke up to counter what she said was misinformation.
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“The county controls the property. They have not submitted any applications for any use on that property,” she told those gathered in council chambers.
KOMO News asked King County about the property, and the county said they do not have any funding to help and are not pursuing the motel as a possible shelter. Mayor Ralph also told the crowd that the county did not permit anyone to camp on the lot next to the motel.
“The current immigration issues are of national and statewide concern neither south King County nor King County as a whole have the resources to address these concerns. It is appropriate for the federal government to step in. The response to this issue must be spread across the entire state and not concentrated in south King County,” said Ralph.
The issue is grabbing national headlines, with many criticizing President Biden's new order on asylum seekers at the U.S. and Mexico border.
RELATED: Asylum seekers in limbo as Seattle grapples with hotel payments and relocation plans
“What we don’t need are walls. What we don’t need are sweeps. What we don’t need is finger-pointing or scapegoating,” said Chris Lampkin, Deputy Chief of Staff for Teresa Mosqueda. He read a statement from Mosqueda during an event criticizing Biden’s order.
“Immigrants make our community stronger and more economically vibrant. We will not let our immigrant community be treated like a political football,” he read.
Santos Moreno, Outreach Coordinator for WA Rep. Pramila Jayapal, read a statement from her:
We have seen time and time again that a law enforcement-only approach simply does not work. There is one critically important aspect that is being overlooked here seeking asylum is legal under this country’s immigration laws and international treaty obligation. People seeking asylum are claiming war violence persecution, and is our moral and legal obligation to allow them to seek asylum under existing law.
Reasons that many gave the Kent City Council in asking for help.
“I ask you to do the right thing. Do not further criminalize these families,” said Rosario Lopez, advocating for the refugees camped out in Kent. TJ Peterson, a longtime resident of Kent, used his time during the city council meeting to restate the city's mission: committed to a safe thriving, sustainable, and inclusive community.
“I’ve heard we're a welcoming city. I don’t see any asterisk or exceptions or any of this kind of thing. I think this is a people thing. My council members, my mayor, are we living up to these values?” asked Peterson. But Mayor Ralph made it clear that the city is not involved.
“The city was advised by a King County sheriff that they will not participate in enforcement of that trespass order. The city will not take action in enforcement of the trespass without full partnership from King County,” she said.
So, the refugees told KOMO News they would not move but continue to ask for help, specifically to temporarily move into the motel.
