Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: BOCC - Board of County Commissioners

Directors' Update: TBD

Business Meeting: June 10, 2025

Summary:

Declare Lewis County a non-sanctuary county and affirm the rule of law

Publications:

Cover Letter To:

Additional Copies To:

Resolution

WHEREAS, the United States Constitution and the laws of the U.S. are the supreme law of the land; and

WHEREAS, Lewis County is committed to upholding and enforcing the law, including federal immigration laws, in a manner that ensures the safety and security of its residents; and

WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature passed the "Keep Washington Working Act" (RCW 10.93.160, et seq.), which restricts local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration authorities; and

WHEREAS, Lewis County believes that cooperation between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies is critical to public safety and maintaining the rule of law; and

WHEREAS, the term "sanctuary jurisdiction" has been used to describe local governments that, by law or policy, limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts; and

WHEREAS, the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) affirms its commitment to lawful governance and rejects policies that hinder the ability of law enforcement to coordinate with federal agencies.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Lewis County BOCC as follows:

1. Lewis County is not a sanctuary county. The County does not have any policy, ordinance or resolution that prohibits or limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, except where explicitly required by state law.
2. Cooperation encouraged. Lewis County encourages all local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal authorities to the fullest extent permissible under state and federal law.
3. Public safety priority. Nothing in this resolution shall be interpreted to promote racial profiling or the violation of any individual's constitutional rights. This resolution is intended solely to affirm support for lawful cooperation and public safety.
4. Notice of resolution. A copy of this resolution shall be sent to the Governor of the State of Washington, the Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as a formal notice of the County's position.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this ___ day of ___, ___.