Seattle City Council calls for Arizona boycott over state’s new immigration law

Seattle City Council approves Arizona boycott

SEATTLE — Seattle has joined several other U.S. cities in protesting Arizona’s sweeping new immigration law.

However, the Seattle City Council’s 7-0 vote on Monday to boycott the state won’t have much practical effect.

The council’s resolution was written to protect the only substantial contract Seattle has with an Arizona company — a $106,000-a-month deal with American Traffic Solutions. The Scottsdale-based company operates Seattle’s 29 red-light cameras.

Other cities that have passed resolutions or urged boycotts to protest the law include Los Angeles, San Diego and Austin, Texas. Los Angeles’ resolution last week said the Arizona law encourages racial profiling and is unconstitutional.

Two Seattle city council members were absent for Monday’s vote.

Information from: The Seattle Times, www.seattletimes.com