The Trump administration has officially designated Washington as a “State Sanctuary Jurisdiction,” alleging that nearly all counties in the state are not cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security released a list of 500 jurisdictions it claims are undermining the rule of law and jeopardizing the safety of Americans and law enforcement.
In Washington, 35 out of 39 counties and five cities have been identified as sanctuary jurisdictions. However, the list has raised concerns due to inaccuracies and unexpected inclusions, prompting some counties to question their designation.
The counties named in Washington include:
– Asotin County
– Benton County
– Chelan County
– Clallam County
– Clark County
– Columbia County
– Cowlitz County
– Ferry County
– Franklin County
– Garfield County
– Grant County
– Grays Harbor County
– Island County
– Jefferson County
– King County
– Kitsap County
– Kittitas County
– Lewis County
– Lincoln County
– Mason County
– Okanogan County
– Pacific County
– Pend Oreille County
– Pierce County
– San Juan County
– Skagit County
– Skamania County
– Snohomish County
– Spokane County
– Stevens County
– Thurston County
– Wahkiakum County
– Walla Walla County
– Whatcom County
– Whitman County
The cities included in this designation are:
– Everett
– Olympia
– Tacoma
– Seattle
– Yakima
The only counties in Washington not included on the list are Adams County, Douglas County, Klickitat County, and Yakima County. The designation has sparked debate and concern among local officials regarding its accuracy and implications for their communities.
