Baumgartner and House Judiciary Committee Demand Accountability for Washington’s Sanctuary Policies

WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) and the Committee on the Judiciary are calling for accountability from Washington state regarding its sanctuary policies, which they argue endanger American communities by actively obstructing federal immigration enforcement. As part of this oversight, Congressman Baumgartner and the Committee have sent a formal letter to the state requesting critical information on its refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

“Washington’s sanctuary policies are putting the safety of its residents at risk by prioritizing criminal aliens over law-abiding citizens,” said Congressman Baumgartner.”By obstructing cooperation with federal immigration authorities, the state is actively shielding dangerous individuals and undermining public safety. It’s time for Washington to rethink these dangerous policies and put its communities first.”

Federal law prohibits restrictions on communication between state and local entities and federal immigration authorities. However, Washington state not only refuses to cooperate but also targets local law enforcement for complying with federal law. Congressman Baumgartner and the Committee on the Judiciary are requesting details on Washington’s sanctuary policies, which shield criminal aliens and hinder federal immigration enforcement.

Washington’s sanctuary laws prevent law enforcement from inquiring about immigration status, sharing information with federal authorities, and detaining criminal aliens for federal custody, creating “little or no interaction” with federal immigration officials. These policies endanger public safety, as highlighted by a 2019 ICE report and a former ICE official who suggested a preventable death could have occurred due to lack of cooperation.

Additionally, the Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown recently filed a lawsuit against the Adams County Sheriff’s Office for cooperating with federal immigration officials. Instead of supporting local law enforcement, the Attorney General’s office is targeting them for upholding federal law.

Congressman Baumgartner and the Committee are requesting information on investigations into local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities, interactions with ICE, the number of declined ICE detainers, and taxpayer funds used to pursue legal action against the Adams County Sheriff’s Department.

Read the full letter here.