Immigration enforcement

I would like to take this opportunity to respond to Jaqueline Garcia Castillo’s letter to the editor on Oct. 31.

I appreciate the heartfelt concern expressed by the author regarding immigrant families in Federal Way. The fear and uncertainty described are real experiences for many, and community support groups play a vital role in helping individuals navigate those challenges.

At the same time, it’s important to distinguish between humanitarian empathy and the legal process. Immigration enforcement, including the revocation of work permits and parole renewals, operates within the bounds of federal law.

Agencies like ICE are tasked with executing those laws, not rewriting them.

If parole renewal fees are burdensome — as in the case of Ukrainian families — that’s a policy issue worth examining at the federal level. But local leaders cannot override national immigration statutes, nor can they selectively shield individuals from legal consequences.

Compassion and legality need not be adversaries. We can advocate for reform while respecting the rule of law. That’s the balance future leaders must strike.

Monty Stewart, Redondo Highlands, Federal Way