Washington Attorney General sues Adams County, alleges illegal cooperation with federal immigration officials

The Washington Attorney General's office has initiated a lawsuit against the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, accusing it of illegal cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, thereby violating the Keep Washington Working Act. The lawsuit details instances where the sheriff's office allegedly detained individuals based on their immigration status and shared confidential information with federal officials. Attorney General Nick Brown expressed disappointment over the breakdown of settlement negotiations, attributing the shift in the sheriff's office's stance to its alignment with America First Legal, a group known for its anti-immigrant rhetoric. Sheriff Dale Wagner countered that his deputies focus on public safety and do not enforce federal immigration law, emphasizing the importance of addressing criminal activity regardless of the perpetrator's background. The lawsuit cites more than 200 instances where the sheriff’s office allegedly provided federal authorities with nonpublic information from May 2019 to January 2022.

Additionally, it claims that in February 2022, the sheriff's office detained two individuals without obtaining proper consent before questioning them about their immigration status. This legal battle highlights the conflict between state laws aimed at protecting immigrant rights and federal immigration enforcement efforts. The outcome could have significant implications for local law enforcement practices and immigration policy in Washington State.