OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee signed an executive order Thursday aimed at ensuring state agencies do not help the Trump administration enforce what Inslee called “mean-spirited” immigration policies.
The three-page order affirms that state agencies under the governor’s control, such as the Washington State Patrol and the Department of Corrections, cannot use resources to assist federal immigration authorities except where required by law.
It prohibits use of “agency or department monies, facilities, property, equipment, or personnel for the purpose of targeting or apprehending persons for violation of federal civil immigration laws.”
And it bans gathering information or assisting in creation of “any federal program requiring registration of individuals on the basis of religious affiliation.”
“The executive order makes clear that Washington will not be a willing participant in promoting or carrying out mean-spirited policies that break up families and compromise our national security and importantly our community safety,” Inslee said at a news conference.
Inslee’s action is a direct response to guidelines issued this week by the Department of Homeland Security that make an enforcement priority of any immigrant who is in the country illegally and is charged or convicted of any offense, or even suspected of a crime.
This approach contrasts with that of the Obama administration, which focused enforcement efforts on immigrants who were convicted of serious crimes or those who were considered threats to national security or were recent border-crossers.
Critics of the guidelines predict there will be mass deportations, an assertion Trump administration officials deny. Nonetheless, there’s widespread concern in immigrant communities. Moreover, they’re worried law enforcement officers will be enlisted to identify and round-up those without documentation to reside in this country.
Not on his watch, Inslee said.
“We just can’t have them become deputized or ordered by the federal government … instead of responding to assaults and domestic violence and car thefts, ” he said.
Some parents are anxious and fearful that personal information about them and children will be provided by public schools to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
State Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, D-Mukilteo, said that won’t happen and that Inslee’s executive order should assist in getting out the word.
“We want to make sure people understand they are safe,” she said. “So many communities in our state are living in fear right now and hearing from our governor that we will operate as we have been operating is important.”
Even before the governor acted Thursday, civic, law enforcement and school leaders throughout Snohomish County had sought to assure immigrant communities that the November election did not change their policies and practices.
Everett and Lynnwood passed resolutions declaring their communities safe and welcoming.
School districts in Everett, Edmonds, Lake Stevens and Marysville, as well as Edmonds and Everett community colleges, issued statements affirming a commitment to ensuring education is available to everyone, regardless of immigration status.
In Lynnwood, Police Chief Tom Davis and some of his command staff attended a prayer service at the Evergreen Islamic Institute earlier this month at the invitation of mosque leaders. The department also has started a new program called Cops and Clergy to build relationships with the faith community.
Inslee said his goal isn’t to make Washington a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants. He does, however, want those living here now to know agencies under his control won’t be used to assist the federal government unless people in some way trigger the attention of federal authorities.
“It doesn’t dramatically change existing state law or existing state policies, but it does bring some really needed clarity around these issues,” said Nick Brown, special counsel to the governor.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com Twitter: @dospueblos
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