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City Leader says Greyhound Violating Ordinance with Border Agent Searches

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Spokane City Council President Ben Stuckart says Greyhound bus lines is violating the city’s municipal code

 Stuckart says he sent Greyhound corporate officials a letter, saying he has concerns with the company allowing Customs officials to go on board their buses while they are parked at the city’s Intermodal transit Center, to question people about their immigration status.

Stuckart says such actions violate the city code, and targets people of color.

 “They’re asking for ID and proof of citizenship, it's making people nervous and afraid to go into public accommodation. Our human rights law , title 18, that we passed last year , the intent and purpose of the law is that people have equal access to accommodation. This is a public building, owned by the city of Spokane,  and Greyhound is making people feel uncomfortable , and they’re not going to the public accommodation, so we believe they are in violation of the law,” he said.

 Stuckart says the Customs and Border agents should only be allowed to search the buses if they have a search warrant.

In his letter to Greyhound management he asks they meet with him. So far he has received no response.

In an email response to Spokane Public Radio, a Greyhound spokeswoman says “Greyhound is a private company caught in the middle of an issue that is not in our control. Our drivers face arrest and fines for obstructing these agents, and we would not want to put their safety or the safety of our passengers at risk by attempting to physically stop a federal agent from boarding.”

She says they are seeking a meeting with border agents as well, for more clarification.

Steve was part of the Spokane Public Radio family for many years before he came on air in 1999. His wife, Laurie, produced Radio Ethiopia in the late 1980s through the '90s, and Steve used to “lurk in the shadowy world” of Weekend SPR. Steve has done various on air shifts at the station, including nearly 15 years as the local Morning Edition host. Currently, he is the voice of local weather and news during All Things Considerd, writing, editing, producing and/or delivering newscasts and features for both KPBX and KSFC. Aside from SPR, Steve ,who lives in the country, enjoys gardening, chickens, playing and listening to music, astronomy, photography, sports cars and camping.