WA sheriffs respond to Trumps immigration enforcement plans

A recent survey by Cascade PBS and InvestigateWest indicates that Washington sheriffs largely oppose President Trump's immigration enforcement plans, focusing instead on local law enforcement responsibilities. The state's Keep Washington Working Act restricts local agencies from participating in federal immigration actions, compelling many sheriffs to assert their commitment to public safety. Pacific County Sheriff Daniel C. Garcia stated that immigration enforcement is a federal duty, underscoring the local focus of his office. Conversely, some sheriffs, such as Pierce County's Keith Swank, expressed a willingness to comply with federal laws, indicating a potential rift in enforcement policies.

Grant County Sheriff Joe Kriete acknowledged the sanctuary law but noted that his office will not obstruct federal operations. Despite the lack of formal agreements between Washington law enforcement and federal agencies, immigration raids and arrests can still occur, complicating local enforcement dynamics. The survey results, inspired by similar research in California, reveal a nuanced landscape of compliance and resistance among Washington's sheriffs. This ongoing tension between state laws and federal mandates underscores the complexities of immigration enforcement in sanctuary jurisdictions.