Peter Bracchi urges the County Council to withdraw this divisive resolution and replace it with something measurable: a clear, lawful public-safety plan that protects everyone’s rights and supports the enforcement of duly enacted laws
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and may not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
Clark County residents deserve leadership that lowers the temperature, protects public safety, and respects the rule of law. Instead, the County Council’s new “resolution” on ICE activity reads like political theater — strong on rhetoric, weak on results.
The document admits what most of us already know: immigration enforcement is a federal function. Yet it still frames the issue in a way that fuels distrust and division at home. A resolution doesn’t change federal policy, doesn’t secure our neighborhoods, and doesn’t create a practical plan for residents who are worried about safety, crime, or community stability. What it does do is send a message that the Council is choosing sides in a national fight—while pretending it’s local governance.
If the Council truly wants to protect civil rights and public safety, there are concrete steps it can take: publicly reinforce that no one should interfere with lawful operations; support local law enforcement and first responders who are stuck managing the fallout; encourage crime reporting without fear; and focus county resources on real community needs—public health, addiction treatment, mental health services, and prevention of violence.
When government issues statements designed to “signal” virtue instead of solve problems, it invites confrontation and misinformation. The loudest voices in the room—often driven by anger rather than facts — should not be writing policy by intimidation. Clark County needs steady leadership, not performative politics.
I urge the Council to withdraw this divisive resolution and replace it with something measurable: a clear, lawful public-safety plan that protects everyone’s rights and supports the enforcement of duly enacted laws.
Peter Bracchi
Vancouver
Also read:
- Passionate crowd speaks up at Clark County Council in regard to fireworks
Forty people spoke during public comment, with 34 supporting current aerial fireworks rules in unincorporated Clark County. - County Council approves preferred alternative for the county’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan update
The 3-2 council vote preserves future expansion options despite sharp disagreement over farmland protection. - Judge blocks Washington’s new sheriff standards law
Thurston County Superior Court judge finds Legislature may have exceeded constitutional authority in setting new sheriff requirements. - Judge blocks Washington’s new sheriff standards law
Thurston County Superior Court judge finds Legislature may have exceeded constitutional authority in setting new sheriff requirements. - Opinion: Delaying light rail offers best hope for new bridge
Two Republican senators argue light rail should wait until Clark County voters approve funding for operations.
