~ During a special legislative session on Thursday, January 15, 2026, the Spokane City Council voted 5-2 to approve a Department of Justice (DOJ) grant that was applied for by the Spokane Police Department (SPD). The grant will provide crucial funding for additional law enforcement officers to support the SPD's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program.

Lisa Gardner, the City Council Communications Director, stated that the grant will help increase the SPD's community policing capacity and aid in their efforts to prevent crime. This $1,000,000 grant requires a 25% local match and will allow for the hiring of eight new officers who will focus on gun violence prevention and community policing strategies.

One council member, Zack Zappone, expressed his support for the grant but also made it clear that he stands with their immigrant neighbors. He stated that he refuses to let the SPD become an arm of ICE's illegal attempts to strike fear in their community. Zappone also mentioned his previous sponsorship of resolutions supporting the Keep Washington Working Act and emphasized that they cannot capitulate to the will of an out-of-control federal executive.

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Zappone further explained that accepting this DOJ COPS grant does not mean they have to comply with ICE agents or any other federal enforcement operations. He trusts their staff and Chief Kevin Hall when they say that accepting this grant will not change their policies and practices. Zappone firmly believes that these tax dollars should be used to help their community locally and not belong to the President.

Chief Hall confirmed during the special legislative session that accepting this grant does not require compliance with ICE or any other federal enforcement operations. He assured council members and community members alike that they remain committed to protecting their community while staying within the guidelines of the Keep Washington Working Act. However, if necessary, they are prepared to stand up for their community in court.

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