Seattle and King County are taking steps to limit the reach of federal immigration agents, including by blocking them from operating on city- and county-owned property.

Why it matters: The new laws reflect local officials' frustration with the Trump administration's mass deportation policy — and their efforts to push back where they can.

Here are a few of the city's and county's new guardrails, which local officials say are aimed largely at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Blocking ICE staging

In March, the Seattle City Council passed a measure banning "civil immigration enforcement staging" on city properties. The prohibition applies to city parks, plazas, offices and public housing, among other areas.

• The ordinance says ICE agents can't convene, set up equipment, or conduct surveillance in those places unless they have a signed order or warrant from a judge.
• The city is setting up signs in more than 600 areas noting the restrictions.
• King County passed a similar ban in late March and is setting up signs on its properties.

Detention center moratoria

Both Seattle and King County passed temporary bans on new detention centers within their boundaries, aiming to block new facilities that could be used by ICE.

• The bans last for one year, which supporters say will give local officials time to develop permanent standards for such facilities.

Limits on information sharing

Another new Seattle ordinance bans city employees from sharing private information to assist with civil immigration enforcement, absent a judicial order.

• A second measure clarifies that Seattle police can't inquire about someone's immigration status.

What they're saying: The goal is to "create greater stability and safeguards for our own communities" even as "the federal administration imposes chaos, violence, and fear across the country," King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda said in a recent news release.

The other side: ICE didn't respond to a request for comment from Axios this week.

• Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security, which includes ICE, said in an unattributed statement that it is "conducting law enforcement activities across the country to keep Americans safe."

What's next: A separate review of Seattle's use of surveillance technology — including pausing the use of automated license plate readers — is underway amid concerns that the data could be accessed by ICE.

Share this story

Busy days call for more pet photos.

Send us photos of your pets — furry or otherwise — and tell us their name and what they most like and dislike.

• We want to spotlight them in an upcoming newsletter.

Above is 9-year-old Eddie, Melissa's chocolate Lab and springer spaniel mix.

• He's rather indifferent about appearing in the newsletter, wondering why this photo shoot is keeping him from his nap.

Want your dog, cat, reptile, or other companion to be featured? Shoot us an email or hit reply.

Let the flood of cuteness begin!

🌨️ University of Washington meteorologist Shuyi Chen is at the center of a growing political and legal fight after the Trump administration moved to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research, a key hub supporting U.S. weather science.

• The nonprofit Chen chairs is suing to stop the shutdown, which scientists warn could disrupt critical research on extreme weather. (Seattle Times)

🚲 Seattle Public Schools' "All Kids Bike" program aims to teach every student how to ride. (KOMO)

☕️ Workers at Starbucks' store in Pike Place Market are seeking to unionize. The Pike Place store is the chain's oldest and a major tourist draw. (Seattle Times)

The Lyrid meteor shower will streak across Seattle skies this week, offering one of spring's best chances to spot shooting stars.

• After months of gray, the Lyrids give night sky watchers a reason to look up — if the weather cooperates.

Driving the news: The annual shower arrives in late April, with peak viewing expected between midnight tonight and dawn tomorrow, according to Space.com.

• You can typically spot 10–15 meteors per hour in a dark sky, according to EarthSky, but the Lyrids can sometimes deliver rare bursts of as many as 100 meteors per hour.

Pro tips: Experts advise heading away from city lights, letting your eyes adjust for at least 20 minutes and bringing a friend, a blanket and a hot drink.

• That said, Clarridge has seen a few every year just by setting the alarm and lying on her back deck.
• If clouds spoil the view this week, don't worry: The Eta Aquarids are right around the corner.

Tell a stargazer