King County stands with immigrant communities as Council marks Welcoming Week, Latino/a/e Heritage Month

September 15, 2026

Against a national backdrop of intensified immigration enforcement and growing anxiety among immigrant families, the King County Council on Tuesday reaffirmed that King County will remain a welcoming home for immigrants and refugees. Councilmembers proclaimed Welcoming Week and Latino/a/e Heritage Month, recognizing the history, culture and contributions of Latino communities while reiterating the County’s commitment to serve all residents regardless of immigration status.

King County Councilmembers Teresa Mosqueda and Jorge L. Barón led the full council Tuesday in the two separate proclamations to mark the occasions.

“Whether a newly arrived immigrant or someone who has had family in King County for generations – King County celebrates you in this month and through these proclamations,” Mosqueda said. “These commemorate our independence, struggle, resistance and resilience, and honor those who built our communities, strengthened our workplaces, and have grown the labor movement. Here in Martin Luther King County, we will continue working to ensure that every family can live with dignity, opportunity, and security.”

Councilmembers proclaimed Sept. 10-19 as Welcoming Week, joining a global movement that affirms the belief that all people, including immigrants and refugees, belong and are valued. King County has committed to protecting the rights of immigrant and refugee residents and providing government services to all people, regardless of their immigration status, national origin, or language.

Kirkland and Kent were recently recognized as Certified Welcoming by Welcoming America, a national nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, through a rigorous review of policies and practices.

During the same meeting, Mosqueda and Barón led their colleagues in proclaiming Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as Latino/a/e Heritage Month, celebrating the long and rich history of Latino culture not only in King County but across the nation. Latino residents account for about 11% of King County’s population, bringing vital contributions to the cultural, economic, and political life of the region. Sept. 15 was chosen as the start of the monthlong celebration as it is the anniversary of the 1821 independence declarations of five Latin American countries, while Mexico, Chile, and Belize celebrate their independence days on September 16, September 18, and September 21, respectively.

“With our actions today, we are honoring the richness of our local communities,” Barón said. “Latino/a/e Heritage Month highlights the contributions, accomplishments, influence, and rich history of our Latine family, friends, and neighbors. Through Welcoming Week, we are joining people across the world in declaring that immigrants and refugees belong. I’m proud to join my colleagues in making this important declaration of support for these values.”

Councilmembers were joined for the presentation by King County Immigrant & Refugee Commission Co-Chair Maha Roy; Kent Mayor Dana Ralph; Tim Kniffin from World Relief, and El Centro de La Raza’s Child Development Center Director Hilda Magaña