OLYMPIA — Over the last decade the state has passed laws and policies meant to protect immigrant Washingtonians from being targeted, including the Keep Washington Working Act the legislature passed in 2017. However, a recent study published by the University of Washington Center for Human Rights has alleged that ICE continues to be able to access state agency databases to identify and target individuals for immigration enforcement.
“I’m disappointed to learn that federal immigration officials have been allowed to continue tapping into state databases to terrorize our communities despite the legislature’s commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of every person and family in our state,” said Chair of the Washington House Democrats Members of Color Caucus Chris Stearns (D-Auburn). “As a caucus we condemn the fear and distrust ICE is sowing in communities across the country and will continue working within our legislative power to limit agencies from aiding the terrorization of Washington residents.”
The Keep Washington Working Act was passed to prohibit state agencies from cooperating with ICE insofar as federal law allows in order to avoid an escalation of violence that may cause greater harm to individuals and communities.
As new databases and technology come online, Lawmakers increasingly worry about the collection, storage, and unauthorized or prohibited sharing of data from various collection methods, including automated license plate reader systems. Representative Osman Salahuddin (D-Redmond) has introduced HB 2332 for the upcoming legislative session that would provide regulatory guardrails around how information collected from these cameras could be used and distributed to limit the abuse of such data, including for immigration enforcement.
Immigration enforcement officials are also escalating the unnecessary use of sometimes lethal force to ramp up deportation efforts as evidenced in cities around the country. Elected officials across the state have spoken out against the needless brutality employed by federal immigration agents.
“We have seen immigration enforcement tactics escalate into violence and death through the use of unnecessary and unlawful lethal force,” said MOCC co-Vice Chair Natasha Hill (D-Spokane). “The toll this takes on our communities, on our friends, our neighbors, and our children, is devastating and heartbreaking. It is wrong. This session the MOCC will prioritize bills like those from Rep. Salahuddin and Rep. Cortes that increase protections for immigrants in Washington, regardless of citizenship status.”
Representative Julio Cortes (D-Olympia) introduced HB 2173 this session to address the lack of transparency and accountability of federal immigration enforcement by regulating the use of face coverings by ICE officers on duty in Washington state.
“The growing threat of harm to any Washingtonian because of citizenship status or through racial profiling is a threat we cannot allow to be realized,” said MOCC co-Vice Chair Jamila Taylor (D-Federal Way). “As state lawmakers, we are called on to act now to protect the safety and freedom of those who call Washington home through legal policies and legislation.”