(The Center Square) – Amid talks of increasing federal immigration enforcement in Seattle, Mayor Bruce Harrell’s 2026 budget proposal would increase the city’s immigration office budget by more than 60%. Harrell’s proposed budget – which has yet to be fully revealed – would add $4 million to the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. Despite facing a $143 million budget deficit, Harrell is proposing an increase to the Seattle immigration office as the Trump administration continues to target jurisdictions that enforce policies obstructing federal immigration laws. If the Seattle City Council approves the funding increase, the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs budget would increase for the first time since 2024. This year the office has a budget of $6.37 million, a slight dip from $6.4 million in 2024.