Lewis condemns ICE activity after several South Seattle Schools shelter in place Tuesday

January 20, 2026

King County Councilmember Rhonda Lewis issued the following statement Tuesday after reports that several South Seattle schools – including Aki Kurose Middle School, Cleveland STEM High School, and Maple Elementary – sheltered in place due to suspected Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the area trying to draw out families coming to pick their kids up from school:

“It’s a sad day in King County – or anywhere in America – when children and their families must live in fear of being abducted by their own government. Law enforcement should serve to make residents safer and less fearful – ICE is doing just the opposite. I am deeply concerned about the ongoing impacts of this kind of activity in King County, especially in historically marginalized communities.

“I applaud the quick thinking of Seattle Public Schools to take these steps to protect King County residents from this ruthless campaign to terrorize children and families going to and from school.

“I stand with my community and will work with our local and state leaders to ensure King County residents can get to and from school safely and securely.”