Former Vancouver City Council member Pat Jollota finds herself at the center of a growing controversy after appearing at a Halloween party dressed as a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.
Jollota, who served on the council for two decades, initially defended the costume as a deliberate political statement. She intended to portray ICE “in the context of horror,” aiming to critique the agency’s actions and the fear they inspire in many communities.
The fallout was swift and intense. Screenshots of Jollota in the costume quickly spread across Facebook, igniting a firestorm of criticism from residents and advocacy groups.
One Facebook user’s pointed comment – “They were serious about raising the age limit, huh?” – drew a curt “Rude” response from Jollota, further fueling the online debate.
A local real estate agent publicly voiced her outrage, urging constituents to demand a denouncement of the costume from city officials, including the mayor.
Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, who was present at the party, swiftly distanced herself from Jollota’s choice, issuing a public apology and condemning the costume as “offensive, hurtful, and upsetting.”
The mayor underscored that the costume did not align with the city’s core values, emphasizing a commitment to inclusivity and respect for all residents.
City Council member Diana Perez expressed the pain caused by the imagery, arguing that true accountability extends beyond a simple apology. She called for genuine learning and a commitment to fostering a community where everyone feels valued.
Jollota later acknowledged the potential for harm caused by her costume, admitting she hadn’t fully considered the impact of the symbolism. She reiterated that her intent was to critique the aggressive immigration enforcement policies enacted during the previous administration.
Critics pointed to the heightened climate of fear surrounding ICE activity, noting instances of both undocumented immigrants and U.S. citizens being detained by agents, often masked and operating with broad authority.
The party itself was hosted by a former youth pastor and political consultant, known for managing numerous local campaigns. Photos were shared online by another former council member, accompanied by a caption suggesting children had hidden in fear upon seeing the “ICE agent.”
The mayor’s initial reaction to the post – a simple heart emoji – drew further scrutiny and prompted another apology during a recent City Council meeting. She expressed regret for both attending the event and her online response.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the responsibility of public figures and the potential consequences of using sensitive imagery, even when intended as political commentary.
