Wichita Council Opposes Barring ICE Enforcement Deal
A majority of the Wichita City Council voiced opposition to a proposed resolution that would bar the city from an immigration enforcement agreement with ICE.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Immigration
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Should Wichita prohibit agreements with ICE for immigration enforcement?
Wichita City Council members, including Mayor Lily Wu, J.V. Johnston, Becky Tuttle and Dalton Glasscock, expressed opposition to a proposed resolution that would bar the city from entering an immigration enforcement agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. No vote was held on the resolution, and the council majority agreed to bring forward a discussion about holding a town hall on the issue.
Why it matters
The proposal reflects a local debate over whether Wichita should formally commit in writing to refusing 287(g) agreements, which can authorize local officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions. Supporters want a standing policy to keep the city's position consistent, while Mayor Wu argued that a standing prohibition could draw unnecessary attention to Wichita.
The proposed resolution would bar Wichita from entering an immigration enforcement agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the city is not currently considering a 287(g) agreement. No vote was held, leaving the resolution's future unresolved.
The players
Wichita City Council
The elected governing body of Wichita, Kansas, responsible for local ordinances and policy decisions affecting the city.
Lily Wu
The mayor of Wichita, Kansas, who said adopting a standing prohibition could draw unnecessary attention to the city.
Becky Tuttle
Wichita City Council member representing District 2, who expressed opposition to the proposed resolution.
The details
Emira Chavira Chaparro spoke in support of the proposed resolution during the discussion, which drew hundreds of supporters. Council members Joseph Shepard, Becky Tuttle and others weighed in, with the majority agreeing to explore a town hall on the issue.
Timeline
November 11, 2026: The Wichita City Council discussion on the proposed ICE agreement resolution took place.
Legal Context
The debate centers on 287(g) agreements, which allow local law enforcement to take on certain federal immigration enforcement functions. Wichita's proposal would formally rule out such an agreement with ICE, while the city is not currently pursuing one.
Residents of Wichita would see a formal city policy on immigration enforcement agreements shaped by this council decision. The outcome would determine whether local officers can take on certain federal immigration enforcement functions through a 287(g) agreement.
The takeaway
The Wichita debate shows how local governments weigh the value of a written, standing policy against the risk of drawing attention to their stance. Residents interested in the outcome can follow future council meetings where the resolution and a possible town hall may be discussed.
Further reading
Explore more local coverage on Immigration policy and enforcement debates across Wichita.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kwch.
Live Poll
Should Wichita prohibit agreements with ICE for immigration enforcement?
