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Whatcom County Council considers pause on new civil detention centers

Protesters gather outside an ICE detention facility in Ferndale in February 2026. Photo: Saga Communications/Emma Toscani

WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – An ordinance that would ban new detention facilities in Whatcom County is moving forward.

Whatcom County Councilmembers discussed the potential ordinance during a Planning and Development Committee meeting Tuesday, May 25.

They’re looking to implement a temporary land use moratorium that would prevent civil detention centers from being built for up to a year.

Councilmembers note that there aren’t many regulations surrounding future detention centers, both at the state and local level. But they did say that state law allows them to take action in the interest of public health and safety.

The council specifically cited humanitarian and compliance concerns at the immigration facility in Ferndale as part of their reason for drafting the ordinance.

If implemented, it will not impact construction or development of the new Whatcom County Jail.

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