Resolution Opposing Surveillance Cameras in Seattle

February 18, 2026

WHEREAS, the City of Seattle has authorized the deployment and expansion of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in multiple neighborhoods in September of 2025; and

WHEREAS, extensive research and community testimony indicate that CCTV and similar mass surveillance technologies do not meaningfully reduce violent crime or improve overall community safety outcomes; and 

WHEREAS, in December 2025, just months after the Seattle City Council passed the surveillance camera expansion, the federal government initiated operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis, deploying 3,000 federal agents to Minneapolis to conduct the largest immigration enforcement operation ever conducted by the United States government. So far in Minneapolis, two US citizens were murdered by federal agents for First Amendment activities, and one died in ICE custody; and hundreds of others have reported violations of their civil liberties; and 

WHEREAS, placing surveillance cameras in public spaces raises serious privacy and civil liberties concerns; and

WHEREAS, the collection and storage of surveillance data creates the potential for access by external entities like the Federal Government, and we have seen several other data breaches in Washington state, despite the Keep Washington Working Act, which was designed to prevent a hostile federal government from gaining access; and

WHEREAS, expanded surveillance infrastructures can chill protected activities such as free speech, assembly, and association by making individuals feel constantly watched and subject to unwarranted scrutiny; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Katie Wilson campaigned against the expansion of surveillance cameras by the City of Seattle when running to become Mayor of Seattle; and

WHEREAS, several of MLK Labor allied community organizations like One America, ACLU-WA, NWIRP, and the Community Police Commission were all opposed to this expansion; and

WHEREAS, MLK Labor has a history of opposing reckless surveillance. In 2025, MLK Labor targeted Palantir Technologies for a Labor Day Protest. Palantir has partnered with ICE to use AI to track and deport immigrants. Palantir was co-founded by billionaire Peter Thiel, one of the authors of Project 2025. It is consistent with the will of this body to oppose CCTV cameras in Seattle at this time. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that MLK Labor urges the City of Seattle to turn off the CCTV surveillance cameras, and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that MLK Labor will lobby the City Council and Mayor to create an alternative program to help small businesses access privately owned and maintained security systems.