Index
Civic & GovernmentWashington, USA

Washington Keep Washington Working Act

Summary

This law essentially makes Washington a 'Sanctuary State.' It strictly prohibits local and state police from asking about immigration status or using local tax dollars to help federal ICE agents deport people.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    Local police, sheriffs, and state troopers CANNOT ask you about your immigration status or the immigration status of your family members.
  • 02.
    Police cannot arrest or detain you solely because they suspect you are an undocumented immigrant.
  • 03.
    State agencies are banned from sharing your personal information (like driver's license data) with federal immigration authorities without a valid court warrant signed by a judge.
  • 04.
    Local jails cannot hold you past your release date just because ICE asked them to (banning 'ICE detainers' without a warrant).

Penalties

  • 01.
    State and local agencies that violate this law can face civil rights lawsuits from affected individuals and organizations like the ACLU.

Verified Citations

Washington Revised Code Chapter 43.10

Source
"State and local law enforcement agencies may not... Inquire into or collect information about an individual's immigration or citizenship status... Provide information pursuant to notification requests from federal immigration authorities for the purposes of civil immigration enforcement..."