Sanctuary Policy Preemption: Lakewood vs Tacoma
How do sanctuary policy preemption rules compare between Lakewood, WA and Tacoma, WA?
Tacoma has fewer restrictions than Lakewood.
Lakewood, WA
Pierce County
Washington's Keep Washington Working Act under RCW 10.93.160 limits state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, establishing statewide sanctuary protections.
View full Lakewood rules →Tacoma, WA
Pierce County
Tacoma adopted Resolution 39423 in 2017 declaring itself a welcoming city, and Washington's Keep Washington Working Act under RCW 10.93.160 limits local police cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement statewide.
View full Tacoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lakewood | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Local resolution | - | Resolution 39423 (2017) |
| State law | - | RCW 10.93.160 |
| ICE civil detainers | - | Not honored without warrant |
| Criminal warrants | - | Still enforced |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lakewood FAQ
Is Washington a sanctuary state?
Yes. The Keep Washington Working Act (RCW 10.93.160) establishes statewide sanctuary protections limiting cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement.
Can Washington police hold someone on an ICE detainer?
No, not without a judicial warrant. RCW 10.93.160 prohibits state and local agencies from honoring civil immigration detainers alone.
Does the law cover schools and hospitals?
Yes. RCW 10.93.160 designates schools, courthouses, hospitals, and shelters as sensitive locations with heightened protections.
Tacoma FAQ
Can Tacoma police ask about immigration status?
No. RCW 10.93.160 prohibits Washington law enforcement officers, including Tacoma Police, from inquiring about immigration status during routine encounters absent a federal criminal warrant.
Will Tacoma honor an ICE detainer?
Tacoma police and Pierce County jail will not hold someone on a civil ICE detainer alone. A judicial warrant or federal criminal warrant is required under state law.
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