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WCSO won’t conduct immigration raids with ICE

In a public letter, Sheriff Tanksley said deportation 'not part of my elected office'

By Annie Todd Criminal Justice/Enterprise Reporter

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday it will not conduct enforcement action based on someone’s immigration status.

In a public letter, Sheriff Donnell Tanksley said that deportation, immigration and federal law enforcement issues fall under the jurisdiction of federal courts and “are not part of my elected office or sworn duty.”

A person’s immigration status is not a factor in WCSO’s criminal investigations unless it’s a violation of state law, such as a violation of “Alien possession of firearms.”

“This office’s first duty and mission is protecting lives and reducing crimes to ensure everyone enjoys a good quality of life,” he said. “We will proactively pursue that duty, protecting all persons without bias in the most professional and compassionate way possible.”

[ Read more: WWU says it will not assist immigration enforcement efforts amid federal pressure ]

Tanksley’s letter to the media comes as other Washington sheriffs are weighing the duty of their office when it comes to enforcing federal immigration laws.

President Donald Trump has vowed to conduct mass deportations. He signed a number of executive orders during his first day in office this week cracking down on immigration.

On Wednesday, at least 308 arrests had been conducted nationally by Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) officers, according to NBC News. Trump officials are noting additional ICE raids may be conducted in major cities like Washington D.C., Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York.

Washington state law, under the Keep Washington Working Act, states that it’s not the primary purpose of state or local law enforcement to enforce civil federal immigration law. A person’s immigration status, presence in the country or employment alone is also not a matter for police action.


Local law enforcement, however, is allowed to work with federal law enforcement agencies when requested to provide support in criminal investigations, such as drug smuggling.

“Our role has been a collaborative partnership in participating in Task Forces related to criminal activity that affects our community — not immigration enforcement,” Tanksley said.

The head of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, Steve Strachan, told KUOW that deportations remain under the jurisdiction of the federal government.

“There is no direct federal authority … over local law enforcement. That is the unique and special nature of our system in America,” Strachan said.

Strachan’s comments came after Klickitat County Sheriff Bob Songer said in December that his office would work with ICE. Three other Washington counties, Adams, Clark and Grant, have been given a warning by the Attorney General’s office for violating the Keep Washington Working Act.

Annie Todd is CDN’s criminal justice/enterprise reporter; reach her at annietodd@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 130.

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