Feds v. WA: Lawmakers challenge state’s sanctuary law thwarting immigration enforcement
Apr 1, 2025, 6:51 AM
ICE agents approach a home. (Photo: Bryan Cox, Getty Images)
(Photo: Bryan Cox, Getty Images)
Washington’s “sanctuary law” has been the subject of more controversy after select state representatives challenged it, claiming it prevents local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration officials.
Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA) sent a letter to Washington Attorney General Nick Brown formally requesting all documents and communications relating to state and local law enforcement agencies’ interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection since January 2023.
“Federal law explicitly prohibits any restriction on communication between state or local entities and federal immigration authorities relating to an individual’s immigration status,” the letter stated, obtained by The Spokesman-Review. “The state of Washington not only actively thwarts federal immigration enforcement, but it also targets local law enforcement officials for complying with federal law.”
Washington’s sanctuary law, known as the Keep Washington Working Act, passed in 2019, is suspected of hampering the current presidential administration’s efforts to carry out the mass deportations. The sanctuary law prevents local police from assisting federal authorities with civil immigration enforcement through local resources.
U.S. House Judiciary Committee chairman Rep. Jim Jordan (Ohio) and Rep. Tom McClintock (California) signed the letter alongside Baumgartner.
More requests in Baumgartner’s letter
RELATED STORIES
Additionally in the letter, Baumgartner and others are requesting data on the number of ICE detainers Washington law enforcement “declined to honor” since January 2023. Baumgartner also requested information on the amount of taxpayer funding used to pursue legal action against the Adams County Sheriff’s Department after Brown filed a lawsuit alleging the department of cooperating with federal immigration enforcement, violating the state’s sanctuary law in the process.
The representatives requested that this information be delivered by April 14.
Mike Faulk, deputy communications director for the attorney general, said Brown and his team are reviewing the letter, according to The Spokesman-Review.
Follow Frank Sumrall on X. Send news tips here.
