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SEATTLE - Three people were arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in North Seattle on Wednesday, according to the Seattle Police Department (SPD).

The badge of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent is seen as they patrol the halls of immigration court at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building on June 09, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

What they're saying:

Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes posted a news release on Thursday, saying that the department received a call from a concerned community member reporting three unidentified men were approached and arrested by ICE agents. 

According to the police report, at around 10:17 a.m., SPD officers responded to a second-hand report about a possible abduction involving three people armed with guns. They said items were moved from one vehicle to another. 

When SPD officers arrived, they saw a white van that had been mentioned earlier in the dispatch notes. The van was further southwest inside the cemetery, and from where the officers were, they could not clearly see it. 

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Before making contact, dispatch updated the call to say that the people involved might be connected to ICE.

The SPD's report said that a vehicle drove down from the area where the van was parked. The driver rolled down their window and said they were leaving. They said they worked for ICE but didn't show any identification at that time.

SPD officers continued checking the area where the van was located and noticed several unmarked Ford Explorer vehicles nearby. One of the drivers approached the officers and said they were leaving after making the arrests.

SPD Sergeant Woodward also spoke with another driver, who showed a badge and identification. After this information was confirmed, SPD officers left the scene.

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Why you should care:

On Thursday, Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes reviewed the report and added the following statement:

"I want to emphasize what I have been sharing with concerned community members for months: The Seattle Police Department is here to keep people safe, regardless of anyone's immigration status," Chief Barnes wrote. "The City of Seattle is a welcoming city and we abide by all State laws and regulations that prohibit the Seattle Police Department's participation in immigration enforcement. We have no authority over federal agents, but we will document all incidents and protect the rights of all people in the city."

"As your Chief of Police, I will keep my promise to communicate what we learn so you are aware and to prevent misinformation," Barnes wrote. "We are here to serve and protect all the people of Seattle."

The SPD says anyone who needs assistance can reach out to the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, and resources are available online.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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