Sanctuary Policy Preemption: Kent vs Seattle
How do sanctuary policy preemption rules compare between Kent, WA and Seattle, WA?
Seattle has fewer restrictions than Kent.
Kent, WA
King County
King County Ordinance 18467 (2017) limits county cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and Washington's Keep Washington Working Act (RCW 10.93.160) restricts state and local agencies from immigration questioning and detainers.
View full Kent rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle's Welcoming City Ordinance SMC 4.18, paired with Washington's Keep Washington Working and Courts Open to All Acts, bars city employees from inquiring about immigration status or assisting federal civil immigration enforcement absent a judicial warrant.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kent | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| County ordinance | 18467, 2017 | - |
| State law | RCW 10.93.160 | Keep WA Working Act |
| Courthouse law | RCW 10.93.250 | - |
| Detainers | Not honored | - |
| Code section | - | SMC 4.18 |
| Adopted | - | 2003; updated 2017 |
| Detainer policy | - | No civil holds |
| Coordinator | - | OIRA |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kent FAQ
Will King County honor an ICE detainer?
No. Under Ordinance 18467 and RCW 10.93.160, the county does not hold individuals on civil immigration detainers without a federal criminal warrant signed by a judge or magistrate.
Can a deputy ask about my immigration status?
Generally no. The Keep Washington Working Act prohibits state and local law enforcement from asking about immigration status except where required by law or for limited investigative purposes.
Seattle FAQ
Will Seattle Police ask about immigration status?
No. SPD policy and SMC 4.18 prohibit officers from inquiring about immigration status or detaining anyone solely on an ICE civil detainer without a judicial warrant.
Does the policy apply at courthouses?
Washington's Courts Open to All Act bars civil immigration arrests at and around state courthouses, supporting Seattle Municipal Court's status as a sanctuary courthouse.
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