One year in: Seattle Colleges’ Federal Changes Task Force turns focus to immigration

The Seattle Colleges launched its Federal Changes Task Force in January 2025. District administrators assembled the team to monitor and respond to changes in federal education policy under the new Trump administration. In its first year, federal funding cuts shaped much of the group’s work. But moving into its second year, its focus has shifted to student safety and privacy amid concerns over federal immigration enforcement on campus.

Trump signed Executive Order 14151 on Jan. 20, 2025. The directive terminated federal initiatives for diversity, equity, and inclusion, resulting in nationwide cuts to education grants that aim to alleviate education inequities.

One week later, on Jan. 27, Seattle Colleges approved the creation of the Federal Changes Task Force. The group, staffed by administrators from Seattle Colleges and its three campuses, is responsible for responding to changes in federal education policy. The task force uses a “monitor-and-respond” approach. Every two weeks, the group meets to share developments and recommend updates to school policy.

Seattle Colleges lost millions of dollars in federal grants last year. In response, the task force worked to reallocate lost resources and advocate for continued funding through lobbyists, legal counsel, and state representatives.

Since then, the task force has witnessed some positive developments. “We have seen multiple federal actions take a different turn,” said a task force spokesperson, “sometimes immediately after they are announced or communicated.” On Jan. 21 of this year, a federal court blocked Trump’s efforts to pull funding from schools committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the American Federation of Teachers, a union that represents employees nationwide, including educators at Seattle Central. After the ruling, the Trump administration dropped its appeal.

While the task force continues to monitor changes at the Department of Education, its attention has now turned to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Last January, President Trump directed DHS to end its protocol limiting federal agents from entering “sensitive” areas like churches, hospitals, and schools. Though the task force remains committed to its responsibility to comply with federal law, it must also adhere to state law and school policy. In a statement to the Collegian, the task force emphasized that “Seattle Colleges remain in compliance with Washington laws, executive orders, and directives.” The Keep Washington Working Act prohibits the use of state resources to cooperate with law enforcement that targets Washington residents on the basis of race, origin, or immigration status. Federal law also protects student records from law enforcement.

Seattle Colleges faculty has been briefed on the district’s Immigrant Rights and Non-Discrimination Plan. Since its founding, the task force has provided about 16 immigration protocol trainings for faculty. Employees are not legally required to direct law enforcement to individuals, even with a warrant.

Recently, Seattle Colleges has implemented a policy to protect the safety of its students in the event federal agents conduct searches on campus. The task force approved the Security and Access to Campus Facilities Plan, which provides a framework for faculty during potential ICE encounters. School security and administrators are directed to follow a “five-step protocol.” First, campus security is required to document any encounters with law enforcement and notify the school designee for federal relations. That designee must then notify the district designee. If necessary, the district designee will contact the Washington state Attorney General’s Office, which provides legal counsel and representation to Seattle Colleges.

Along with drafting school policy, the task force is also responsible for communicating these changes to students. The task force holds regular debrief sessions on Zoom to communicate up-to-date information regarding federal changes. Students and faculty are encouraged to attend and ask questions. Information on coming debriefs can be found on Canvas dashboards. The next debriefs will take place on Feb. 13 and 17, 2026.