EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article stated that the Burien City Council passed Ordinance 885. The ordinance was not adopted at the Nov. 17 meeting, it was placed on the Consent Agenda for consideration at its next meeting. The story has been updated to reflect this correction.
The Burien City Council convened on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, addressing issues ranging from environmental policy to community safety and budget concerns.
Key actions included placing Ordinance 885, which would implement a single use bag fee in accordance with Washington State law, on the Consent Agenda for the next meeting.
The meeting also featured updates on the upcoming ADA Transition Plan Open House and the deadline for the Utility Tax Relief program.
However, a spirited discussion on reducing ICE impacts in the community highlighted a stark contrast between community calls for immediate action and the Council’s cautious approach, driven by severe budget constraints and concerns over potential complications with the King County Sheriff’s Office contract.
Single-Use Bag Fee Put On Consent Agenda
In accordance with Washington State law, the Burien city council voted 6–0 to put Ordinance 885 on the Consent Agenda for its next meeting. Once approved, the cost of each single-use plastic bag will increase to 12 cents, and 8 cents for each paper bag.
ADA Transition Plan Open House
City Manager Adolfo Bailon shared that there will be an open house to discuss updates to the city’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) transition plan. This discussion will take place at 5:30 on Wednesday, Nov. 19, in council chambers at city hall. During Public Comments one speaker said that Burien has been abysmal for those with disabilities.
Utility Tax Relief Application Deadline
City Manager Bailon also shared that the deadline to apply for help with utilities is approaching. Residents can find more information on how to apply for the city’s utility tax relief program on the city’s website. The application deadline is Dec. 5.
Reducing ICE Impacts In Community
During Public Comments, many speakers addressed ICE arrests, saying that the city needs to take immediate steps to limit ICE activity in Burien. Requests included not allowing ICE to use city resources or property to make arrests, and requiring that they have badges and don’t wear masks while in the city. However, it was explained that making an ordinance like this is complicated by the fact that Burien contracts with King County for police services, and does not want to get caught up in another lawsuit with King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO). There seemed to be consensus among the council and staff that it would be more prudent to wait and see what other KCSO contract cities are doing before taking action.
During Council Reports, Councilmember Hugo Garcia said the King County Council could pass an ordinance securing as much as $25,000 to fund “know your rights” workshops, signage, and protection for the community facing ICE arrests. Garcia said he hopes the city of Burien could match the county’s monetary contribution to this issue.
Public commenters said money should not be an issue when it comes to preventing ICE kidnappings and helping impacted families, and that we can’t ignore the needs of our immigrant community whilst purporting to be a “Welcoming Burien.” They mentioned that many local businesses are in crisis without customers feeling safe to frequent them, and that vacant storefronts will soon turn to urban decay. Other commenters said public money should not be utilized, and that there are plenty of volunteers who could help without spending scarce tax dollars.
Councilmember Linda Akey said that while she has sympathy for this issue, the city is facing a very serious budget crisis and does not have the extra funds to support this cause. She said both the county and non-profits have dedicated funds for protecting and educating the immigrant population. Councilmember Alex Andrade added that if the city holds in-person workshops, they might put the very people in danger that they are trying to help, as those workshops could be raided by ICE. She described not wanting to “poke the bear” when it came to battling ICE. This issue will be discussed further at the next business meeting.
Video
Below is full, raw video of this council meeting (NOTE: the city released three different videos of it):
I don’t know if this is in place yet or not… but if the city or an individual were to set up or a text notification for alerts to go out when ice is in the area , people could get notification immediately by any person who sees ICE activities
Burien will lose every battle if they attempt to counter Immigration enforcement because the Federal government will double down as they have on so called Sanctuary cities. There may be a human aspect to all this but the law reads quite clear when it comes to entering a County without permission and you can’t deny that reality.
Deter the federal government? You have got to kidding me. Residential folks protesting is one thing but conspiring – openly – do you realize what your doing??
Nobody voted for you guys to do this…. and its a terrible, terrible decision.
This city council meeting has been forwarded, I’d highly suggest not screwing around with the federal government.
Please dont put a Federal bulls eye on Burien. If citizens want to organize fine but dont ask the City staff to formulate programs to interfere with federal illegal immigration enforcement. I dont like the tactics by ICE either, but some of the suggestions put forth by public speakers at the meeting are not practical. Especially the suggestion outlawing masks in Burien. No ICE masks ? ok…. but no K-95’s ? No Burkas ? It is not something that the city can be expected to implement or enforce. And let’s be honest – Burien has more than its fair share of people here illegally who are up to no good and should be shown the door. If the city wants to take action then continue to pursue participation in higher level working groups on fast track citizenship etc. Burien city government trying to take on ICE is loosing proposition.