Nina Shapiro, a journalist for The Seattle Times, recently published an article discussing the impact of Washington’s sanctuary law, which has been in effect for five years. The law prohibits most local officials from cooperating with immigration enforcement, aiming to protect undocumented immigrants living in the state. However, a report by the University of Washington’s Center for Human Rights revealed that Washington jail and law enforcement agencies have committed hundreds of alleged violations of the law.
The report highlights that while many agencies have made strides in complying with the sanctuary law, there are still some outliers that continue to violate its provisions. These violations often involve sharing private information with immigration authorities, such as dates of birth, addresses, and driver’s license numbers. The report draws upon records obtained from the Attorney General’s Office and information from immigrant advocacy groups to identify these violations.
One county official, Grant County Prosecuting Attorney Kevin McCrae, disputed the report’s findings, claiming that only limited information was shared with immigration officials and that the practice had ceased before being contacted by the Attorney General’s office. However, a letter from the Assistant Attorney General to Grant County cited over 400 instances of sharing detailed information with immigration authorities, raising concerns about potential violations of the sanctuary law.
The political climate surrounding immigration enforcement has been shifting, with a focus on strengthening border security and cracking down on undocumented immigrants. Former President Donald Trump has promised mass deportations, while Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris emphasizes the need for tough enforcement to prevent criminals from entering the country. In Washington, there have been proposals to compel local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration officials, potentially undermining the sanctuary law.
The sanctuary law, known as Keep Washington Working, was enacted in response to increased immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. It prohibits local officials from sharing private information with immigration authorities and cooperating in noncriminal matters. While some practices, such as holding individuals in jail for ICE pickup, have largely ceased, there are still gray areas regarding information sharing that need clarification.
Despite efforts to comply with the sanctuary law, the report raises concerns about potential loopholes that could allow for continued cooperation with immigration authorities. The law’s vague language leaves room for interpretation, leading to differing opinions on what constitutes a violation. Some counties argue that sharing information in criminal matters is permissible, while others question the extent of permissible cooperation with ICE.
In conclusion, the report underscores the ongoing challenges in enforcing Washington’s sanctuary law and the need for clarity on its provisions. As the political landscape evolves, the future of immigration enforcement in the state remains uncertain, with potential implications for undocumented immigrants and local law enforcement agencies.