02/02/2026
I've seen various information posted in groups, city pages, and such, and with national attention on this topic, I'd like to make sure credible information is out there for guidance. I've been concerned with the confusion about the tug of war of what laws people do or don't feel like they need to follow, so it's important to know what the truth is so you can follow it.
To encourage safety based on recent events, I definitely recommend not actively provoking ICE, National Guard, Police officers, or any other entity involved in the activities of illegal immigration enforcement. While you have the right to protest, it must be peaceful to comply with laws. Provoking these entities while they are trying to do their jobs is leading to high risk and high stress situations costing people's lives, and it breaks the law. These are human people doing a job and their lives are important too, and they may have families to go home to as well.
This is akin to war like behavior with events that are interfering with ICE at this point, which causes PTSD and trauma similar to war for all involved. There is no doubt that illegal immigration enforcement is difficult, and there are safe ways in which this can be done legally in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. ICE does have a job to do, and depending on where they are, they will have cooperation and/or collaboration with law enforcement. This is a highly stressful job to do, but like most people, everyone wants safety to be a priority. Here are current statements and laws that apply to our area.
The City of Sammamish put out a statement regarding their stance on ICE, but the state laws in place only indicate that law enforcement or public agencies are not going to ask for immigration status or be actively involved in ICE work. That said, city and state law IS trumped by federal law based on what I am reading in these statements and laws. If federal law mandates ICE involvement in our town, federal law must be followed. City and state law must follow federal law and any requirements to maintain funding. If federal governments support state, county, and city governments, federal law must be supported. You'll see a key section under many of the sections that says, "Nothing in this section prohibits the collection, use, or disclosure of information that is: (a) Required to comply with state or federal law; OR (b) In response to a lawfully issued court order."
If federal laws mandates an action, federal law will likely override a state or local law, so it's important to understand what is being shared locally and the fine print. I care that we have integrity and correct information out there and you can read these laws and statements for yourself and see the truth. There is tension in this state due to the differences between our state and local laws and federal laws, so please put your safety as priority during these times.
City of Sammamish Statement:
https://www.sammamish.us/our-community/immigrant-and-refugee-resources/
WA State Policy on Immigrants:
https://www.sammamish.us/our-community/immigrant-and-refugee-resources/
https://www.atg.wa.gov/know-your-rights-civil-immigration-enforcement-washington
U.S. Sanctuary Jurisdiction List Following Executive Order 14287: Protecting American Communities From Criminal Aliens (WA state and Seattle is on this list): https://www.justice.gov/ag/us-sanctuary-jurisdiction-list-following-executive-order-14287-protecting-american-communities
Unlawful Employment Of Aliens -- Criminal Penalties (federal): https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-resources/handbook-for-employers-m-274/110-unlawful-discrimination-and-penalties-for-prohibited-practices/118-penalties-for-prohibited-practices
More about ICE: https://www.ice.gov/
US Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement: https://www.dhs.gov/topics/immigration-and-customs-enforcement
