Washington governor and AG stand by state prison notifications to ICE

Washington lawmakers are advocating for a reassessment of the Department of Corrections' information-sharing with federal immigration authorities. Governor Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Pam Bondi maintain that current policies, established by the 2019 Keep Washington Working Act, are effective. The law limits local police cooperation with immigration enforcement, yet corrections is an exception, raising concerns among some Democratic legislators. State Rep. Sharlett Mena, who spearheaded a letter expressing these concerns, argues for a review of how the department shares inmate information that is not mandated by federal law.

Recent statistics reveal a drop in the number of individuals detained by ICE following their release from state prisons, indicating a shift in enforcement practices. Of the 61 prisoners wanted by immigration authorities released this year, ICE detained 51, marking a decade-high rate. Mena is exploring ways to modify current practices through executive action rather than new legislation. The conversation continues amid the ongoing conflict between state officials and federal immigration priorities.