All Port of Seattle Commissioners join in support of the recent statement by Mohamed Egal, Mayor of SeaTac; Mohamed Abdi, Tukwila City Councilmember; and Hamdi Mohamed, Port of Seattle Commissioner:
"The racist and dehumanizing rhetoric targeting people of Somali descent and heritage over the past few days is yet another example of unacceptable, unconscionable, and completely un-American rhetoric that has been levied at immigrants by this administration.
To our Somali American neighbors, colleagues, and community members: You belong here. You are valued.
We stand with you. We know firsthand that immigrant communities are essential to our region's shared prosperity. And we are committed not only to your safety but to ensuring you can join in the region's success.
Our aviation and maritime industries depend on the talent, dedication, and diversity that immigrants bring to our workforce and our community. Your contributions to our region — as workers, small business owners, neighbors, and community leaders — strengthen our community and economy. We embrace the thousands of immigrants who work at the Port itself, and those who work for other companies and at or around our facilities such as concessionaires, taxi, and rideshare drivers serving our airport and cruise terminals, truck drivers at the seaport, and the crews of cruise ships and container ships.
Targeting any community with sweeping attacks is not only morally wrong, it also contradicts the very values that make Washington an economic and cultural powerhouse. The Port’s Welcoming Port Policy reaffirms our commitment to all — to those who call Washington home, as well as those who choose to visit the beautiful Pacific Northwest. We reject hatred in all its forms.
The Somali American community has deep roots in the Pacific Northwest and here at the Port, including our own duly elected Commissioner Hamdi Mohamed, the first Somali American to hold elected office in Washington state. Those roots make our region stronger. That will never change, no matter what is said."
Contact
Katherine Fountain | Senior Media Officer
(206) 787-3071 | [email protected]
